Action Needed On Federal Education Bill

Congress is now in their August recess, but action is proceeding among Congressional staffers in their absence. (For current status of HR1/S1, 5-year federal education reauthorization, see our July 26th update)

The Graham-Tiahrt Parental Freedom of Information Amendment is scheduled to be "decided" by Congressional staff next week! It was adopted by voice vote in the House of Representatives, but it is not in the Senate version of the education bill. Calls to Washington offices of the members of the Conference Committee beginning now are necessary, because the legislative assistants are assessing the future of this amendment. Now is the time to influence their decision.

The Graham-Tiahrt amendment does the following:

It guarantees parental access to the curriculum their children will be taught, including textbooks, audio/visual materials, manuals, films, and supplementary materials.

It prohibits surveys pertaining to personal information without parental consent.

It prohibits medical, psychological, or psychiatric examinations, testing or treatment at schools without parental consent.

Please call:

Members of the Conference Committee

The White House

Some members of the leadership teams

Tell them to keep the Graham-Tiahrt Parental Freedom of Information Amendment intact in the education bill now being considered in conference committee (HR1-S1). Members should be embarrassed to oppose this amendment.

Keep in mind that conference committee members will be home for the recess and therefore they will be appearing at events in their home states. Consider showing up whenever possible to raise the issue of important amendments to the education bill. (To review these amendments, see our update)

Don't forget the very important Akin amendment if you are talking with any of these public officials over the break.

1. Members of the Conference Committee

Of particular importance, contact:
John Boehner (OH)	202-225-6205
Michael Castle (DE)	202-225-4165
Lindsey Graham (SC)	202-225-5301
Van Hilleary (TN)	202-225-6831
Johnny Isakson (GA)	202-225-4501
Buck McKeon (CA)	202-225-1956
Thomas Petri (WI)	202-225-2476
Marge Roukema (NJ)	202-225-4465

2. The White House Comment Line: 202-456-6213

The President has tremendous influence on the final bill. He needs to be hearing from people.

3. Some members of the leadership teams:

Speaker of the House - Dennis Hastert	202-225-2976
House Majority Leader - Dick Armey	202-225-7772
House Majority Whip - Tom DeLay	202-225-5951
House Republican Conference Chair - JC Watts	202-225-6165
House Republican Policy Committee Chr - Chris Cox	202-225-5611
Senate Minority Leader - Trent Lott	202-224-6253
Assistant Minority Leader - Don Nickles	202-224-5754