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Bonamici Elected Chair of Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services

January 29, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC [01/29/18] – Today the House Education and Labor Committee unanimously elected Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici to serve as Chair of the newly-created Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee (CRHS).

As Chair, Bonamici will lead the subcommittee in advancing policies on civil rights, equal employment opportunities, human service programs, nutrition programs, the Older Americans Act, and more.

"It is an honor to be elected as Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I'm grateful that Chairman Scott is making the critical issues of civil rights and human services a priority by establishing this new subcommittee. Public education can help break the cycle of poverty, and I will do all I can to expand opportunities for people of all backgrounds, especially for students of color who continue to face disparate outcomes in our education system.

"A quality education is a powerful force for economic and social mobility in our country. I worked my way through community college, which opened the door to a bachelor's degree and law school. We need to do more deliver on the promise of an equitable, world-class public education for every student in this country. To achieve this goal, we must protect civil rights and provide essential human services.

"The Trump administration has been undermining rather than protecting, the civil rights of students and workers. I take seriously the obligation of Congress to ensure equity, hold institutions accountable, and provide meaningful oversight of the Education Department, the Department of Labor, and the Trump administration. I will fight for all students and workers so they can learn and work in safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments. I also look forward to reauthorizing the Older Americans Act and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. We can and must do more to strengthen public education, our workforce, and needed support services for families."

In addition to serving as Chair of CRHS, Bonamici will serve as a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee. The full Education and Labor Committee will be led by Chairman Bobby Scott.

"I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor in the 116th Congress, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a diverse group of legislators to build a country where everyone can succeed," said Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott. "Our subcommittee chairs and our vice chair bring unique perspectives, skills, and expertise to the Committee's work. I look forward to working with them to pursue a unifying agenda that expands access to a quality education, a good-paying job, and affordable health care for all."

Bonamici has been a member of the House Education and Labor Committee since 2013. During the 115th Congress, she served as the Committee's Vice Ranking Member. The Congresswoman has long been a vocal advocate for diversity and equityin education. She has been critical of Education Sec. Betsy DeVos' attempts toroll back school discipline guidanceand failure to actin the best interest of students.

In 2016, Bonamici had a lead role in the passage of a bipartisan update to the Older American Actto support social services designed to help seniors live independently in their communities.

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