McKeon Announces Bid for Education & The Workforce Committee Chairmanship

McKeon Announces Bid for Education & The Workforce Committee Chairmanship

Washington, Feb 3 - Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) announced today that he is seeking the chairmanship of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. McKeon informed his colleagues in a letter released earlier today.

"America has entered a new age of unprecedented challenges both for our schools and our workforce. I believe that with my 13 years of Capitol Hill experience, I am in the best position to lead the committee in addressing those challenges," said McKeon.

The chairmanship of the Education and Workforce Committee opened up when the current Chairman, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), was selected by his colleagues to serve as House Majority Leader. Under the rules of the House, a Member in a leadership position is barred from holding a committee chairmanship.

"John did great things as committee chairman, and I want not only to build on his legacy but to make the committee an innovator in bringing together the academic, labor and business communities. There are some really unique opportunities for this country, and I think that I am prepared to take advantage of them," added McKeon.

McKeon's chairmanship bid is centered on a campaign of "New Realities." He argues that the country is facing unprecedented levels of competition from around the world, and that the focus of American policy should be to create a workforce that is highly skilled, adaptable and innovative.

"We need to look at our whole approach to education, workforce training and regulation," noted McKeon. "This will take a partnership between academia and business that I believe the committee would be well positioned to encourage."

McKeon also believes that his experience as Chairman of the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness will be an asset in getting legislation through the committee.

"I know the people on this committee and they know me. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle know my principles and that I will fight for them, but they also know that I will deal with them fairly and that I listen to all sides of an argument."

Under the procedures in the House, the Republican Steering Committee determines committee assignments and chairmanships for the majority party. While the focus of McKeon's campaign will be on persuading the steering committee, he also plans to reach out to all of his colleagues.

"This is a great opportunity, and I want all of my colleagues to be part of my effort to meet the challenges ahead," McKeon said.

http://mckeon.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=39117