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Introduction Of The Higher Education For Freedom Act Of 2005

By: Tom Petri
By: Tom Petri
Date: June 9, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Education


INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR FREEDOM ACT OF 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 09, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. THOMAS E. PETRI
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2005

* Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Higher Education for Freedom Act. This legislation establishes a competitive grant program making available funds to institutions of higher education, centers within such institutions, and associated nonprofit foundations. These grants would promote progams focused on the teaching and study of traditional American history, free institutions, and the history and achievements of Western Civilization at both the graduate and undergraduat e level, including those that serve students enrolled in K-12 teacher education programs.

* Several years ago I was involved in a congressional effort to highlight the decline in historical and civic literacy among American college students. This effort led to the unanimous, bicameral passage of S. Con. Res. 129 which stated, in part, that ``the historical illiteracy of America's college and university graduates is a serious problem that should be addressed by the Nation's higher education community.''

* I believe it is time for Congress to take a more active role in addressing this matter. Our country's higher education system must do a better job of providing the basic knowledge that is essential to full and informed participation in civic life and to the larger vibrancy of the American experiment in self-government, binding together a diverse people into a single Nation with common purposes.

END

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