Yvonne Johnson, President of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), announced that Senator Susan Collins and Representative Lucy McBath have been recognized as "true voices on Capitol Hill" for young people. The organization presented them with the 2025 Congressional Voice for Children Award on March 3.
"From fighting for funding to support students with disabilities to policies to protect children and teens online, Senator Collins and Representative McBath are true voices on Capitol Hill for our nation's young people," said Johnson, President of National PTA. "We thank and commend them for being staunch advocates for issues critical to ensuring every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are thrilled to honor them with our 2025 Congressional Voice for Children Award."
According to a press release from the National PTA, Senator Collins (R-ME) and Representative McBath (D-GA-06) were honored for their dedication to improving education for young people. The award was presented during the 2025 Virtual Legislative Conference on March 4. Collins has been an advocate for public education, supporting internet safety measures, after-school programs, and school counseling. She has also worked to secure funding for low-income schools and special education programs.
McBath, a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, focuses on gun violence prevention and securing resources for students with different learning needs. Both lawmakers are recognized for their commitment to ensuring all children have access to quality education and a safe learning environment.
"It is a great honor to receive National PTA’s 2025 Congressional Voice for Children Award," said Collins in the press release. "From securing Title I funding for low-income schools to strengthening IDEA support for students with disabilities and establishing the Rural Education Achievement Program, I have worked throughout my Senate service to ensure that students, regardless of their background or where they live, have access to a quality education. I thank National PTA for their unwavering advocacy for our nation’s students and for this meaningful recognition."
The National PTA’s Legislative Conference brings together advocates from across the country to address key education issues. Attendees engaged in workshops, heard from speakers, and met virtually with members of Congress on March 5 to push for policies benefiting children and families. Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director said: "Raising our voices is critical to making every child’s potential a reality." He added that it remains a top priority of PTA to ensure families' voices are heard and included.
National PTA is described as a nonprofit organization made up of families, students, educators, and community leaders dedicated to supporting children's education and encouraging family involvement in schools.
