Supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of House Resolution 879, supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week.

Thousands of teachers in our country inspire our young children to want to learn and to teach them the vital skills they need both to succeed in their future careers and in their lives. We also cannot forget about the librarians, the cafeteria staff, the coaches, the janitors, the bus drivers, the crossing guards, the administrators, all those employees who dedicate their time, effort and talents in order to make sure that our kids are enjoying a safe environment and that they're welcomed into the classrooms and that they truly learn.

Teachers simply do not receive the gratitude that they deserve. Most people can remember that one teacher who inspired them in some way and urged them to explore a subject further. Many of us simply would not have the same lives or careers without a special teacher to guide us.

For me, that was Mr. Kobiashi in the fifth grade, who really inspired me to have a true appreciation for the environment and a true understanding of our oceans and all the living creatures and just inspired me to be a better person. I still remember him to this day and can't thank him enough for the service and the thousands of untold lives that he had touched along the way.

Those are special people, and they ought to be recognized for their efforts, and while I know that this resolution is important, they truly get the satisfaction that they deserve and that they need by inspiring those young people throughout our country.

Yet for all the effort and tireless hours the teachers put in every single

day, we oftentimes forget to thank them formally as well. As a country, we need to do more to thank teachers and educators for their hard work and service to America's youth.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. American Education Week gives us the opportunity to take a week to think about and thank all the educators for their work. Hopefully this week will also inspire all Americans to think about the work that educators do, not just during American Education Week but every day, so that we begin to give teachers and educators the thanks and appreciation that they truly deserve; and that, in each individual community, those people, those parents and the others affected in the community, support their teachers, the educators and all the support staff, and all the moving parts that make these things happen so they can truly feel the love and support of a Nation and make that environment the very best environment it can be for our kids to learn.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 879) supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, it is my great privilege to rise in support of H. Res. 879. This measure encourages the people of the United States to observe National Education Week by reflecting on the positive impact of all those who work together to educate America's children. American Education Week spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great.

Madam Speaker, America's success in the 21st century will be determined by our ability to innovate, foster entrepreneurship, and constantly improve the skill base of our workforce. We believe that the evolving demands of the global economy make education vital to sustainable social and economic success. We also believe that education is a fundamental human right and is the single most important investment in the future of individuals, communities, the Nation, and the world. We in Congress and we as a Nation must make it one of our highest priorities.

H. Res. 879 was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Idaho, Representative Walter Minnick, on October 29, 2009. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on May 6, 2010. The measure has the support of over 70 Members of the House.

I thank the gentleman from Idaho for introducing this measure.

And I'd also like to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for their support for the bill.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Representative Ruben Hinojosa.

I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Minnick).

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

I rise today in support of H. Res. 879. I want to thank the National Education Association, NEA, and its 3.2 million members for designating November 15 through November 21 as American Education Week.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank Representative Minnick from Idaho for introducing this important resolution, and I thank the gentlelady from California for giving me time to speak.

As subcommittee chairman for Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness, I congratulate all of our teachers, higher education faculty and staff, custodians, substitute educators, bus drivers, clerical workers, food service professionals, workers in skilled trades, health and student services workers, security guards, technical employees, and librarians for working tirelessly on behalf of our children, parents, and communities.

Our Nation's public schools and colleges and universities continue to be the great equalizer and the backbone of American democracy. They open the doors of opportunity to millions of graduates every year.

In order to access family-sustaining jobs in our economy, it is imperative that all children, all youth and adults receive a high quality education and are equipped with 21st century skills to thrive in our Nation's economy.

As our Nation strives to build a world-class educational system, increase graduation rates at all levels, and improve literacy for adult learners, we must recognize our teachers, our principals, our faculty, and school personnel for their professionalism and extraordinary commitment to care for and educate our children, youth, and adults for a 21st century workforce.

I commend President Obama, I commend Chairman Miller and my colleagues for making historic investments in education and for ensuring accessibility and affordability in higher education with the enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

I urge my colleagues and our Nation to observe American Education Week and the invaluable contributions of our Nation's educators. You all make a world of difference in the lives of our students and families. I thank you.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California and extend her an invitation to come to Idaho anytime.

Madam Chair, you'd be a good addition.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 879, celebrating the goals and ideals of American Education Week. Public schools are the backbone of America's democracy and the key to our continuing competitiveness in a 21st century global economy.

In 2010, the 89th American Education Week will take place November 14 to November 20. Each day will spotlight the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from pre-K through college.

As Federal legislators, we must continue to support American public education and make it the very best in the world. Dedicated American educators, teachers, principals, administrators, and their trade organizations work tirelessly to serve students and communities throughout the Nation with care and professionalism.

American Education Week celebrates the effort and achievements of these dedicated professionals and encourages community, parental and elected government official involvement in our public schools.

As a parent of four children, all of whom benefited from an outstanding public school education, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary lengths to which our hardworking teachers go in helping American youth to learn. I applaud the nearly 15,000 teachers and thousands of support staff in Idaho and those throughout this great Nation who devote their professional lives to ensuring our children are equipped with the skills, knowledge and work ethic required to succeed in 21st century America.

Let's all enthusiastically endorse American Education Week. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and recognize the efforts and sacrifices of America's educators.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H. Res. 879 supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week.

I would like to share a quote from Mr. William Arthur Ward who said ``The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.'' I agree with Mr. Ward about the incredible difference a great teacher can make in a child's life. It is in the classroom environment that an educator can best lay a solid foundation in children's lives by instilling the values of determination and diligence within them. Quality education is thus an essential element to opening the door to a bright future for our country.

Madam Speaker, in celebrating American Education Week, we stand to acknowledge and celebrate the true importance of a fine education. During the week of November 14-November 20, I encourage my colleagues in Congress and all Americans to please take the time to appreciate the people who have made a difference in educating children across the nation, especially the local educators in Georgia's 4th District. I would like to personally thank the school board members, administrators, teachers, librarians, counselors, parents, substitute teachers, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and staff members who have devoted their lives to educating the youth of my district.

I truly appreciate the important difference that educators make in children's lives through their dedication and tireless effort. I encourage my colleagues to join me in expressing their appreciation for all educators in the nation during American Education Week by supporting this important resolution.