2023: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Supported
Eliminating The Department Of Education's Elementary And Secondary
Education Functions By The End Of 2023. In March 2023, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against an amendment to the
Parents Bill of Rights Act, which would "express the sense of Congress
in support of terminating the Education Department's elementary and
secondary education functions by Dec. 31, 2023." The vote was on the
adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of
161 to 265. [House Vote 156,
3/24/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/24/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
124]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Allowing Grant Recipients From The Teacher
Education Assistance For College And Higher Education Grant Program To
Serve In Geographical Areas With High-Need, And Permitting Recipients To
Revert Their Grants That Were Turned To Loans Back To Grants With An
Extended Service Obligation Period. In September 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted for the Consider Teachers Act of 2021 which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "expand eligibility and modify service
verification requirements for the Education Department's Teacher
Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant program,
which provides grants to undergraduate and graduate students who agree
to teach for four years following graduation as full-time teachers in a
high-need field serving low-income students. Among other provisions, it
would allow grant recipients to serve in high-need geographic areas, in
addition to high-need subject areas. It would permit recipients whose
grants have been converted into loans due to failure to meet program
requirements to request that they be reverted to grants, with an
extended service obligation window, under certain conditions. It would
extend the service obligation window up to three years for grant
recipients whose service was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 406-16 and
sent to the President. [House Vote 302,
9/28/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/28/21;
Congressional Actions, S.
848]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Package,
Which Provided $207.4 Billion For The Departments Of Labor, Health And
Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies. In December 2022,
according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted to concur with
the Senate amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which
would "provide approximately $25.5 billion for the Agriculture
Department and related agencies; $82.4 billion for the Commerce and
Justice departments and science and related agencies; $797.7 billion
for the Defense Department; $54 billion for the Energy Department and
federal water projects; $27.6 billion for the Treasury Department,
federal judiciary and a number of executive agencies; $60.7 billion for
the Homeland Security Department; $38.9 billion for the Interior
Department, EPA and related agencies; $207.4 billion for the Labor,
Health and Human Services and Education departments and related
agencies; $6.9 billion for legislative branch entities; $154.2 billion
for the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction, and related
agencies; $59.7 billion for the State Department and related agencies;
and $87.3 billion for the Transportation and Housing and Urban
Development departments and related agencies." The vote was on a motion
to concur. The House concurred with the Senate amendment by a vote of
225-201, thus bill was sent to President Biden and ultimately became
law. [House Vote 549,
12/23/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/23/22;
Congressional Actions, S.Amdt.
6552;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2617]
The FY 2023 Omnibus Raised The Maximum Pell Grant Amount By $500
To $7,395, Which Was The Greatest Increase Since 2009. According
to CNN, "The law increases the maximum Pell grant award by $500 to
$7,395 for the coming school year. This marks the largest boost
since the 2009-2010 school year. About 7 million students, many from
lower-income families, receive Pell grants every year to help them
afford college." [CNN,
12/29/22]
The FY 2023 Omnibus Provided Almost $12 Billion To Head Start,
Which Supports Low-Income Families Prepare Their Young Kids For
School. According to CNN, "Also, Head Start will receive nearly
$12 billion, an 8.6% boost. The program helps young children from
low-income families prepare for school." [CNN,
12/29/22]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Provide $76.4 Billion To The Education
Department, Including $24.6 Billion For Federal Student Aid. In March
2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the
second portion of the Fiscal 2022 Omnibus Appropriations, which would
provide "$76.4 billion for the Education Department, including $24.6
billion for federal student aid programs." The vote was on the motion to
concur in the Senate amendment with a House amendment. The bill was
divided and this vote was the second portion of the bill. The House
concurred with the Senate by a vote of 260-171. After resolving
differences, the bill was sent to the President and became law. [House
Vote 66, 3/9/22;
Congressional Quarterly, 3/9/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2471]
The Bill Provided $17.5 Billion For Poor Primary And Secondary
Schools And Increased Head Start Funding To $11 Billion.
According to CNN, "The bill would provide $17.5 billion for
high-poverty K-12 schools, an increase of $1 billion, the largest
in more than a decade. And it calls for increasing funding for Head
Start by $289 million to $11 billion." [CNN,
3/9/22]
The Pell Grant Maximum Was Increased To $6,895 Per Year.
According to CNN, "The maximum Pell Grant would increase by $400,
to $6,895 a year. Pell Grants are generally awarded to
undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs, and the
amounts are based on their costs to attend school, family sizes and
incomes." [CNN,
3/9/22]
The Bill Provided A $400 Increase To The Maximum Pell Grant And
Provided $363 Million To HBCUs. According to Time, "The spending
bill partly accomplishes these goals, increasing the maximum Pell
Grant by $400---the largest increase in the maximum award in more
than a decade---and authorizing $363 million in HBCU funding."
[Time,
3/9/22]
The Bill Provided A $35 Million Increase From Last Year To
Federal Student Aid Programs. According to Time, "In total, the
bill provides $24.6 billion for federal student aid programs, an
increase of $35 million from the previous year." [Time,
3/9/22]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against The American Rescue Plan Act Of 2021,
Which Provided $122.8 Billion To Public Schools, $39.6 Billion For
Higher Institutions, $3 Billion To Education Programs For Students With
Disabilities, And $2.75 Billion To Non-Public Schools. In March 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against concurring in the Senate amendment to the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "provide $122.8 billion for an Education Department
elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund; $39.6 billion
for grants to higher education institutions; $3 billion for education
programs for individuals with disabilities and $2.75 billion for
non-public schools." The vote was on concurring in the Senate amendment
to the bill. The House concurred with the Senate by a vote of 220-211
and sent to the President and ultimately the bill became law. [House
Vote 72, 3/10/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
3/10/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
1319]
The American Rescue Plan Approved Additional Funds To Support
Schools To Reopen. According to The Washington Post, "The stimulus
bill approves additional money to help schools reopen, allow
restaurants and businesses to stay afloat, and assist state and
local governments trying to meet their financial needs." [The
Washington Post,
3/10/21]
The American Rescue Plan Provided $128 Billion To State
Educational Agencies, With Most Allocated To Local Agencies, And
$39 Billion To Higher Institutions. According to NPR, "There are
over $128 billion in grants to state educational agencies, with 90%
allocated to local educational agencies, plus $39 billion in grants
to higher education institutions." [NPR,
3/11/21]
Under The American Rescue Plan Made "Any Student Loan Forgiveness
Passed" Between December 31, 2020 And January 1, 2021 Non-Taxable.
According to NPR, "The Senate version signed by Biden added a
provision to make any student loan forgiveness passed between Dec.
31, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2026, tax-free --- rather than having the
forgiven debt be treated as taxable income." [NPR,
3/11/21]
2020: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2021 Omnibus Appropriations And
Coronavirus Relief, Which Authorized $81.9 Billion In Aid For
Elementary And Secondary Schools And Higher Education Institutions. In
December 2020, Fitzpatrick voted for the second portion of the FY2021
Omnibus Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief package which would
provide, according to Congressional Quarterly, "$81.9 billion for
Education Department grants to states to support elementary, secondary
and higher education." The vote was on concurring in Senate amendment
with portion of the amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote
of 359-53 and sent to the President and ultimately became law. [House
Vote 251, 12/21/20;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/21/20; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
133]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill,
Which Provided $72.8 Billion For The Department of Education. In
December 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2020 minibus spending bill,
which represented 8 of the 12 appropriations bills. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The bill provides $72.8 billion in
discretionary funding for programs and activities of the Education
Department --- $1.3 billion more than FY 2019 and $8.7 billion more
than requested. For elementary and secondary school education, it
provides $40.1 billion, $1.2 billion more than FY 2019 and $5.9
billion more than requested. Within that total, $16.3 billion is for
Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies, $2.1 billion is for
Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, $1.2 billion is for
Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants, $1.2 billion is
for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and $123 million is for a
new Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Initiative to support SEL and
"whole child" approaches to education. Funding for charter schools
would remain flat at $440 million. It provides $24.5 billion for
federal student aid programs ($75 million more than FY 2019 and $1.5
billion more than requested), which would allow for an increase of $150
in the maximum Pell Grant, to $6,345. The bill rejects the
administration's proposal to eliminate the Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grant program, funding it at $865 million ($25
million more than FY 2019). It provides $1.2 billion for the Federal
Work Study program, $50 million more than FY 2019 and $680 million
more than requested. Higher education would receive $2.5 billion, $163
million more than FY 2019 and $941 million more than requested. Within
that total, it provides $760 million for minority serving institutions
($93 million more than FY 2019 and $220 million more than requested),
$1.1 billion for TRIO and $365 million for GEAR UP." The vote was a
motion to concur in the Senate amendment. The House agreed to the motion
by a vote of 297-120. The Senate later passed the bill and the President
signed the bill into law. [House Vote 689,
12/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1865]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Provided $1 Million For Literacy Programs. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick
voted for an amendment that would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"increase by $1 million funding for certain literacy programs and
education programs for disadvantaged populations." The vote was on
adoption of the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of
333-86. [House Vote 320,
6/13/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/13/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.337;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2740]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Provided $4 Million For The Education Department Office Of The
Inspector General. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment
that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "increase by $4
million funding for the Education Department Office of Inspector
General." The vote was on adoption of the amendment. The House adopted
the amendment by a vote of 390-29. [House Vote 315,
6/13/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/13/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.332;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2740]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Provided $1 Million For Career, Technical, And Adult Education
Programs. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment that would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "increase by $1 million funding
for career, technical, and adult education programs." The vote was on
adoption of the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of
390-29. [House Vote 310,
6/13/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/13/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.327]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Provided $1 Million For State Grants For Special Education Programs.
In June 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment that would, according
to Congressional Quarterly, "increase by $1 million funding for
Education Department state grants for special education." The vote was
on adoption of the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote
of 376-41. [House Vote 309,
6/13/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/13/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.326;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2740]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Provided Funding For Education Department Programs Related To Charter
And Magnet Schools And Family Engagement. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick
voted for an amendment that would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"increase then decrease by $1 million funding for certain Education
Department programs related to charter and magnet schools, family
engagement, and academic enrichment." The vote was on adoption of the
amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 347-76. [House
Vote 255, 6/12/19;
Congressional Quarterly,
6/12/19; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.273;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2740]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted For An FY 2019 Conference Report Minibus
Spending Bill And Continuing Resolution That Appropriated $71.4 Billion
For The Education Department. In September 2018, Fitzpatrick voted for
an FY 2019 Labor, HHS, Education, and Defense minibus spending bill
conference report. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Adoption of
the conference report on the bill that would provide $855.1 billion in
discretionary funding for fiscal 2019 to various departments and
agencies, including $674.4 billion for the Defense Department and
$178.1 billion for the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
departments. The Defense Department total would include $606.5 billion
in base Defense Department funding subject to spending caps, and would
include $67.9 billion in overseas contingency operations funding. The
bill would provide $90.3 billion in discretionary spending for the
Health and Human Services Department, $71.4 billion for the Education
Department and $12.1 billion for the Labor Department. The measure
would also provide funding for federal government operations until Dec.
7, 2018, at an annualized rate of approximately $1.3 trillion." The
vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 361 to 61.
The president later signed the bill into law. [House Vote 405,
9/26/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/26/18;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6157]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Require The Department Of Education To
Consider The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Definition
Of Antisemitism When Considering Civil Rights Violations By Institutions
Receiving Federal Aid. In May 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according
to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill that would require the Education
Department to take into consideration the International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance's 'Working Definition of Antisemitism' in
reviewing, investigating or deciding whether a civil rights violation
has occurred in programs receiving federal financial assistance. It
would stipulate that nothing in the bill can be construed to expand the
Education secretary's authority, alter the department's standards for
making harassment determinations or diminish or infringe upon First
Amendment or protected rights." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the bill by a vote of 30 to 91. [House Vote 172,
5/1/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/1/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6090]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment To The FY 2020 Minibus That
Protected The Functions Of The Office Of Civil Rights Within The
Department Of Education. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for an
amendment that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit
use of funds made available by the bill in contravention of any
statutorily established authorities and functions of the Office of Civil
Rights within the Department of Education." The vote was on adoption of
the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 275-148.
[House Vote 295,
6/13/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/13/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.312;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2740]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Disapprove A Rule Broadening Title IX
Protections For Sexual Harassment, Assault, And Pregnancy-Related
Conditions At Higher Education Institutions And Prohibited LGBTQ
Discrimination. In July 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the joint resolution that would disapprove and
nullify the April 2024, Department of Education rule broadening Title IX
protections at colleges and universities for cases of sexual harassment
and assault and for pregnancy-related conditions. The rule also would
prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 210 to 205.
[House Vote 354,
7/11/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/11/24;
Congressional Actions,
H.J.Res.165]