Rep. John Kline (R-MN) was elected today to serve as the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee. Kline was recommended for the post last week by members of the House Republican Steering Committee and received the endorsement of the full GOP Conference in a vote held this morning.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be selected to lead Republicans on the Education and Labor Committee," said Kline. “My colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility at a critical time for our nation’s education and workforce systems, and I intend to hit the ground running with a bold agenda for reform."
Kline, now in his fourth term in Congress, has served on the Education and Labor Committee since he was first elected to represent the people of Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District. Before assuming his leadership post for the full committee, Kline served as the lead Republican on the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, where he became a leading advocate for workforce policies that promote job growth; protect workers’ right to a secret ballot; and ensure dependable access to health care, retirement security, and training for American workers. Kline has also been steadfast in his commitment to policies that will improve our nation’s schools, from flexibility and local control to full funding of the federal share of special education costs.
The Committee on Education and Labor and its five subcommittees oversee programs that affect hundreds of millions of Americans, from school teachers and small business owners to students and retirees. The position of Senior Republican Member had previously been held by Rep. Howard P. “Buck" McKeon (R-CA), who stepped down after being named the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee.
“In my time on the Education and Labor Committee I have served under two strong leaders in Buck McKeon and John Boehner," said Kline. “I intend to continue their legacy of principled leadership to promote fiscally responsible reforms for students, workers, and retirees."
