Speeches 
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March 5, 2020
Chairman Blunt, Ranking Member Murray, and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the President's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget.
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February 27, 2020
Chairwoman DeLauro, Ranking Member Cole, and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the President's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget.
While we are discussing a budget, it's important to remember that Federal government spending does not determine everything that's important to us, nor is it the only solution when we encounter challenges and opportunities.
Instead, "We the People" overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
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December 12, 2019
Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Foxx, and Members of the Committee:
Let me first thank the committee for its willingness to make this a productive hearing. We have provided the committee 18,000 pages of documents during the past month on borrower defense alone, we have briefed you several times, and I'm hopeful we can use today's hearing to continue in that spirit of constructive dialogue.
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December 5, 2019
Thank you, Lisa Nelson, for that introduction and for your strong leadership of the American Legislative Exchange Council.
It's good to be with so many friends and leaders shaping policy across all 50 states. For more than 30 years, state-initiated solutions to intractable issues were my primary focus—and they still are. States are where the action is—or, at least, where it should be.
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December 3, 2019
Thank you for that introduction, Mark Brown. And let me add what a pleasure it has been having you on our team. You bring important focus, vision, and discipline to the job, and I'm so pleased to begin to see the results of your leadership. You ensure we "aim high" every day, General.
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November 13, 2019
Thank you, Heather Higgins, for that kind introduction, for your commitment to freedom, for your leadership of this great organization, and for your longtime friendship.
I am deeply humbled by this award, especially because of its namesake.
Barbara Olson was unlike anyone else. Her uncompromised principles, her unmistakable wit, and her unmatched drive made her a unique force for freedom in American public life.
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October 30, 2019
Thank you, Tonya Matthews, for that kind introduction and for your service as Acting Chair. Thank you to all our National Assessment Governing Board members for maintaining our "national yardstick" of student achievement.
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October 23, 2019
I'm so happy to be with all of you this morning. I especially want to thank Senator Ron Johnson, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Congressman Andy Harris, and Congressman Ralph Norman for your leadership on the hill and for your commitment to education freedom. Thanks to each of you.
Parents and students, thank you for sharing your stories. You're why we're here.
You inspire all of us to keep fighting alongside you for your futures, and ours.
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October 1, 2019
Thank you all, and thank you to the American Enterprise Institute for hosting this important forum today. Robert Doar, thanks for your hospitality and your principled conservative leadership, especially now in your new role. It's always a pleasure to be back here with so many friends.
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September 16, 2019
Thank you, Jamie Hopson, for that kind introduction. And thanks, everyone, for letting me join you today.
It's hard to see summer end. But "back to school" season is an exciting time of year. I think it's useful, as we begin any new season, to reflect on where we've been, where we are, and importantly, where we want to go.