COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Biden-Harris Administration released a School Reopening Roadmap to help schools reopen safely for in-person instruction. “Getting students back into the classroom safely is one of the most important things we can do for children and families across the country. I applaud the Biden Administration for issuing clear and comprehensive guidance to help schools reopen safely for full, in-person instruction this fall.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, voted to pass H.R. 4502, FY 2022 Seven-Bill Appropriations Minibus – a package that includes the following seven appropriations bills: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Agriculture, Rural Development; Energy and Water Development; Financial Services and General Government; Interior, Environment; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development. Congressman Scott secured critical funding for Hampton Roads as well as students and workers. “I was proud to support this legislation on the floor today,” said Rep. Scott. “The pandemic highlighted all the ways that our economy is slanted against middle class families in favor of the wealthy and well-connected. This funding bill will create jobs and grow opportunity for the middle class and working families while also protecting vulnerable communities. This funding bill is an important step in our work to build back better.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Bobby Scott released the following statement in response to Governor Ralph Northam’s proposal to dedicate $500 million in American Rescue Plan funding to help schools repair and upgrade ventilation systems, or complete other air quality projects. “I applaud Governor Northam’s proposal to dedicate additional American Rescue Plan funding to helping schools reopen safely and stay open safely. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that proper ventilation is essential to reducing the risk of COVID-19. Providing school districts the funding they need to improve air quality and repair or upgrade ventilation systems will go a long way to making classrooms safer for students, educators, and school staff.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Education Department announced temporary changes to the federal student aid verification process for the 2021–22 award year. The temporary changes will provide relief to hundreds of thousands of students and thousands of colleges who may be facing challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Education Department’s decision to streamline the financial aid verification process is an important and sensible step to help students stay in school and complete their degrees.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 850,000 jobs in June with the unemployment rate at 5.9 percent. “Today’s jobs report is further proof that the Biden-Harris economic agenda is delivering results for the American people. Since President Biden took office, the economy has created more than 3 million jobs and consumer confidence has soared to its highest rate in 21 years.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, urged President Biden to extend the pause on federal student loan payments, which is currently set to expire at the end of September. In a letter to President Biden, the members stressed that the pause on student loan payments has been a lifeline for struggling borrowers during the health and economic crises and that borrowers need more time and support in order to navigate resuming repayments.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, helped secure $1.5 million for the Hampton Roads Community Action Program’s Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and comprehensive support to at-risk children and families. The funding was provided as part of the American Rescue Plan. The Hampton Roads Community Action Program will use these resources primarily to ramp up family support, recruitment and enrollment efforts, mental health support for children and families, and staff wellness.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in California v. Texas. “Today, the Supreme Court threw out yet another baseless lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Court’s decision will protect millions of Americans’ access to affordable health care, secure coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, and maintain critical protections that patients rely on every day.