Committee on Education and Workforce

WASHINGTON, DC – Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced the No Surprises for COVID-19 Tests Act today, which extends free COVID-19 testing beyond the Public Health Emergency, ensures that patients do not receive surprise medical bills for coronavirus tests, and closes a loophole in the Coronavirus Aide, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that some providers have used to price gouge for tests.   

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, recognized National Public Schools Week which runs from February 21st – 25th. In the American Recue Plan, Chairman Scott helped secure $ 2.1 billion for Virginia K-12 schools to stay open safely and make up for lost learning time. Nationwide, the American Rescue Plan provided $130 billion for schools to stay open, and an additional $10 billion to help schools conduct COVID-19 testing for students and staff.  “All students should have access to safe, welcoming, and well-funded public schools,” said Congressman Scott. “Thanks to the historic investment from the American Rescue Plan, our K-12 schools are better equipped to safely stay open while navigating the challenges presented by the pandemic."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, received the Leadership Award from the National WIC Association at their 2022 national policy conference. The National WIC Association advocates and supports public health nutrition service provider agencies and the mothers, babies, and young children served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). “It is an honor to receive the National WIC Association’s Leadership Award,” said Congressman Scott. “For years, the National WIC Association has been an invaluable partner in helping over 6 million people—including over half of all infants born in the United States—access tailored nutrition counseling, healthy food prescriptions, breastfeeding support, and health screenings and referrals.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Last week, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, received an honorary degree from the College of William & Mary. Honorary degrees are awarded by William & Mary at Charter Day and Commencement ceremonies as well as other special events to distinguished individuals. When conferring Congressman Scott with the honorary degree at the Charter Day ceremony, William & Mary noted: “your 43 years in the Virginia General Assembly and in the United States Congress exemplify the highest values of service.

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 467,000 jobs in January. “Despite a surge in COVID-19 infections, today’s jobs report reflects another month of historic job growth. Under President Biden’s economic agenda and the investments made through the American Rescue Plan, our economy has had the strongest year for economic growth since 1984. In 2021, the economy created 6.7 million jobs – more than any other year on record. Americans are getting back to work. 

WASHINGTON, DC – Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after at least six historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) received bomb threats on Monday. This is the second time bomb threats have been made at HBCUs in less than a month. “For the second time this month, bomb threats were made to at least half a dozen historically Black colleges and universities. Campuses were closed, classes disrupted, and HBCU students, faculty and staff once again feared for their safety. These threats are unacceptable. Students attending HBCUs or any other institution must be afforded the opportunity of a safe, learning environment. 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House posted text of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022.  In the Committee’s jurisdiction, the America COMPETES Act of 2022 includes a historic investment to increase pathways to STEM and computer science education, expand Registered Apprenticeship programs to train more workers, and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness. “The success and competitiveness of the American economy depends on the strength of our nation’s workforce. The America COMPETES Act will connect our nation’s students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in high-tech industries while keeping our economy competitive in the years ahead.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, issued the following statement after President Biden signed the Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act into law: “Most public schools in America are largely funded through state and local property taxes. The Impact Aid Grant Program was designed to assist local school districts that serve students that are ‘federally-connected.’ An example of a ‘federally-connected’ student might be someone who lives on a military base, in affordable housing, or a Native American reservation.