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Legislative Update for July 19, 2013

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The Student Success Act: On July 19, the Student Success Act passed the House by a vote of 221-207.This bill takes a major step forward toward returning educational decisions to the states, and to parents, teachers, and local school boards. Click here to read CWALACs letter to House Members.During the floor debate, CWALAC also supported the school choice funding portability amendment introduced by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) and Rob Bishop (R-Utah), which empowers parents to determine where their children will be educated and not be trapped by the failing schools in their neighborhoods. (To read CWALACs letter in support of this amendment, click here.) In addition, we supported an amendment by Reps. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) and Rob Bishop that removes the federal mandate on the teacher evaluation process and allows schools the flexibility to implement their own evaluation standards that best address their student populations. (Click here to read the letter sent to House Members.) Both of the amendments CWALAC supported were passed by voice vote.

ObamaCare: This week, the House of Representatives, with bipartisan support, passed H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668, which codifies the delay by the Obama Administration for the employer mandate and delays the individual mandate for the same period.Despite the Administration stating that it will delay the employer mandate, President Obama issued a schizophrenic statement of administration policy this week indicating that he will veto H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668.

Senate

Senate Rule Change: Senators came to a deal on the threatened nuclear option, but it appears to be more of a cave when you look at the details, the prime example of which is the nomination of Thomas Perez for Secretary of Labor.

For more information read CWAs Legal Counsel’s article, “Senate Nuclear Showdown Needs Jack Bauer.”

Nomination of Thomas Perez: Contrary to the opposition of many, the Senate burned off post-cloture debate time and voted through Mr. Perez on July 18 by a vote of 54-46. Despite the president having the authority to appoint nominees to his administration, the Senate must take its advise and consent authority seriously.

As a result of the so-called deal that was made from the nuclear option, Perez only needed a simple majority to be confirmed thats 51 votes. Sen. Rubio (R-Florida) tweeted after the vote If just one more Republican Senator had voted against cutting off debate, we could have stopped nomination of Obama labor nominee #surrender.

To read CWALACs letter to the Senate, click here.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) took to the Senate floor to oppose the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Sen. Hatchs speech highlights our concerns with the treaty. CWALAC encourages you to watch the speech here, or read the speech here.

Act Now: Its likely that the CRPD treaty will come up in the Foreign Relations Committee this fall. Please contact your senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to oppose ratification.