The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PROTECTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the in the House section section on page H1414 on March 24.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PROTECTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN
(Mr. McCARTHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act. House Republicans made a commitment to America that we would bring up the Parents Bill of Rights Act. Today, we are keeping that promise.
The numbers speak for themselves. In the 1 month since the Parents Bill of Rights Act was introduced, thousands of parents have signed on to it. This massive surge of support proves that parents want more of a say in their children's education. President Biden's Secretary of Education recently said parents are missing in action. He is just wrong.
Parents are more motivated than ever, and they want us to take action. The bill before us today is about every mom, every dad, and, most importantly, every student in America.
We believe parents should be able to know what your children are learning, how your tax dollars are being spent, and whether your child is safe in school. That is exactly what the Parents Bill of Rights Act does.
When we introduced the Parents Bill of Rights Act, we numbered it H.R. 5. There is an important reason why. That is the age that children start kindergarten.
Also, this bill protects five important parental rights.
One, the right to know what is being taught in schools and to see the reading materials. No one is arguing that parents should dictate what is being taught, but parents should be able to see their school's curriculum publicly, know what books are in the library, and get timely notice about any plans to eliminate gifted and talented programs.
Two, the right to be heard. We saw Biden's Justice Department lash out at concerned parents and label them domestic terrorists. Parents should be allowed to address school board meetings, have their First Amendment rights respected, and have a say in their children's education.
Third, the right to see a school's budget and how your tax dollars are being spent.
Four, the right to protect your children's privacy. Parents should be able to control how any third party uses their children's personal data.
Fifth, the right to be updated on any violent activity at school. If there is violence at school, parents deserve to know.
Mr. Speaker, it doesn't matter the color of your skin, the ZIP Code you live in, or the wealth you have. Once you are a parent, you will give your life for your child.
You have a right to get basic information about your children's education, and with the Parents Bill of Rights Act, you will have that.
The Parents Bill of Rights Act is an important step toward protecting children and dramatically strengthening the rights of parents.
Mr. Speaker, in America, education is the great equalizer. Every child deserves a great education. We know that if parents are empowered, students will succeed.
For that reason, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act.
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