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September 11, 2003

the Alexander civics bill

Some time ago, the Senate passed The American History and Civics Education Act of 2003, which I've summarized earlier. Identical legislation has now been introduced in the House as H.R. 1078. The House leadership apparently regards this legislation as well-intentioned, bipartisan, Mom-and-apple-pie stuff, and they would like to get it out of the House as quickly as possible. They don't want to take time for hearings and amendments, because they face battles over appropriations, Iraq, and health care this fall. They intend to put the bill on the "Suspension Calendar," which permits no amendments and requires a 2/3 vote to pass (thus requiring Democratic support).

Many people in the civic education business believe that the bill would be better if amended. In particular, there is some concern that it will be funded at the expense of other history programs in the National Endownment for the Humanities. Thus it would be desirable to hold hearings and allow amendments in the House.

Posted by peterlevine at September 11, 2003 12:14 PM

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