More than 1 million children are currently involved in the juvenile justice system, and many more youth are at risk of entering the system because of difficult circumstances such as poverty, broken families, and homelessness. As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, it has been my priority this Congress to reform our more than 15-years-old law to ensure that state and local leaders have the tools they need to develop effective juvenile justice systems. Yesterday, the House completed this important work by passing the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. This bipartisan bill will now become law to improve state juvenile justice systems with a focus on education and rehabilitation.

Winter Storm Diego

As Winter Storm Diego was about to hit North Carolina last week, the Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore staked out in Boone to cover the storm. The meteorologist sure came to the right place to became acquainted with tough mountaineers and Fraser firs too! Click here or the image below to watch my interview.

Exploring Alternatives to Fetal Tissue Research

We know that this year the National Institutes of Health will provide approximately $100 million for federal research grants that involve the use of human fetal tissue. We also know that for years doctors and scientists have been using alternative research methods that affirm the dignity of human life. This week, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing to evaluate these life-affirming research methods and discuss the ethics at the heart of the life issue. Click here to listen to my questions.

On December 14, 1799 my favorite president, George Washington, died in his home at Mount Vernon. He was surrounded by his wife, Martha, and friends who then carried out Washington’s wish to lay in the New Room of the estate for three days before his funeral.

Next week, the House will return to debate legislation to protect our border and fund roughly one-fourth of the Federal government.