00:00Mr. President, I call up my amendment 2382 and ask that it be reported by number.
00:13The clerk will report.
00:15The senator from Hawaii, Ms. Hirono, proposes for herself and others amendment number 2382 to amendment number 2360.
00:22Mr. President, nearly 90 percent of K-12 students attend public schools, yet Republicans are pushing a plan in this bill to undermine support for public schools through the first ever nationwide public private school voucher program.
00:42Republicans claim vouchers are about expanding school choice, but evidence shows these kinds of programs do little to meaningfully increase choice for families, especially low-income families and those who live in rural communities.
01:00When it comes down to it, this plan does not help students.
01:04It does not promote choice.
01:06It does not support public schools.
01:09We should be investing in public education for all Americans, not diverting tax dollars to private schools.
01:18That's why my amendment with Senator Van Hollen would strip this provision from this bill.
01:24Stand up for our nation's students, teachers, and families by rejecting this provision and supporting our amendment.
01:33I yield back.
01:35Mr. President.
01:36The senator from Texas.
01:37There are many important elements to the one big, beautiful bill, but none over time is likely to have as big an impact as this specific provision that the Democrats are trying to strike tonight.
01:51Across America, millions of children, especially low-income African-American and Hispanic children, are trapped in failing schools.
01:59They face crime and violence and despair without the ability to learn and prosper, they are denied a fair shot at the American dream.
02:10School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.
02:15Every child, regardless of race or wealth or ethnicity, deserves access to an excellent education.
02:22This tax credit provision will unleash billions of dollars every single year for scholarships for kids to attend the K-12 school of their choice.
02:34Sadly, every Democrat in this body will oppose these scholarships because they're more beholden to teacher union bosses than they are dedicated to fighting for kids.
02:43Mr. President, Dr. King's dream will take a major step forward tonight, as every kid in America will have a chance at an excellent education.
02:52Mr. President.
02:54The question's on the amendment.
02:55The question's on the amendment.
02:56Do I have any time left?
02:58There's no time remaining.
02:59The question's on the amendment.
03:03The question's on the amendment.
03:07To voice vote?
03:08Is there a sufficient second?
03:10There appears to be.
03:11Click and call the roll.
03:12Click and call the roll.
03:13Ms. Oslo Brooks, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Banks, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Bennett.
