21st Century Green Schools

Floor Speech

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, a healthy learning environment for our children is the gateway to a brighter future. Unfortunately, too many of them attend schools that are crumbling, making it harder for teachers to teach and students to learn. In fact, research has shown better quality schools have higher rates of student achievement.

For this reason I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act to modernize, upgrade, and repair school facilities across this country. This legislation creates healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient learning environments for our Nation's children. In addition to improving our schools, this bill will play an important role in protecting our environment and improving our economy through the creation of environmentally sound schools and the creation of thousands of new construction jobs.

Madam Speaker, I represent an urban district where many students would benefit from the modernization of these schools. By passing this bill, these students and others across this country will get the opportunity to learn in a healthier and sounder environment.

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