The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted on July 30 to favorably report several bills aimed at increasing educational opportunities for Americans and providing additional tools for securing strong retirements. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, chairman of the committee, is leading these efforts with a focus on improving literacy and supporting children with dyslexia.
“Everybody in this room, certainly the people on this dais, want to give Americans the best chance at success,” said Bill Cassidy. “To me, that looks like protecting their health and making life more affordable and increasing quality educational opportunities.”
The committee unanimously passed the RISE Act, Railroad Retirement Board Stability Act, and Health Information Privacy Reform Act by a 22-0 vote. The State-Based Loan Awareness Act and READ Act were approved by a 20-2 vote. The College Transparency Act received a 21-1 vote in favor; the Emergency Savings Enhancement Act passed by a 19-3 margin; legislation prohibiting certain transfers within the Department of Education was approved by a 13-9 vote; and the 21st Century Dyslexia Act passed with a vote of 12-10.
The bills approved include: College Transparency Act; legislation prohibiting transfer of certain Department of Education offices or functions to other federal agencies; 21st Century Dyslexia Act; RISE Act; State-Based Loan Awareness Act; READ Act; Emergency Savings Enhancement Act; Railroad Retirement Board Stability Act; Health Information Privacy Reform Act.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee works to legislate on public health, education, workforce issues and retirement programs with the goal of protecting health and supporting worker rights. It influences federal regulations affecting health and education across the United States while providing oversight of federal laws and agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to the official website.
Cassidy’s opening remarks from this session are available online along with full video coverage.