Bonamici Elected to Leadership Role on House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee

WASHINGTON D.C. [2/1/23] — House Education and the Workforce Democrats elected Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to serve as Ranking Member on the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee. Bonamici will also serve on the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee.

“The pandemic put an enormous strain on public schools and child care providers, and highlighted longstanding inequities in our education system,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “It is an honor to be elected by my colleagues to serve as the top Democrat on the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee, and I am committed to finding bipartisan solutions that improve academic opportunities and outcomes for all students.

“I am a firm believer in the power of public education to open doors of opportunity for all. I spent many years as a public school parent and advocate, and my passion for strengthening public education led me to Congress and has informed my work throughout my career in public service. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this role and as a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee to continue striving toward an education system where every student can succeed regardless of what path they take.

“We must do more to make public schools safer, more supportive, and more inclusive learning environments where students and teachers feel and are secure and respected—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or race. Our work must also include addressing the teacher workforce shortage by providing educators with the support they need and expanding pathways to enter the teaching profession. Additionally, I will continue my work to make child care affordable and accessible, and to end food insecurity for children and families so they can focus on learning.”

Bonamici has been a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee since 2013. Her legislation toreduce high-stakes testing in schools played a key role in building support for the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act. Bonamici has also led efforts to reduce food insecurity. She has long worked to increase access to affordable child care and universal preschool for working families, help protect student loan borrowers, and reduce hunger among college students.

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