September 12, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) and its chair, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), recently met with Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the United States Department of Education, for a conversation on the implementation of Democrats' Investing in America agenda. Secretary Cardona and members of the Regional Leadership Council discussed how the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats can take key steps to ensure that the Investing in America agenda strengthens educational opportunities and creates healthy learning environments across the country. Additionally, they spoke about how the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act's gun safety protections and investments in youth mental health are making a difference in schools nationwide. Image Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created the Regional Leadership Council in January 2023 and appointed Congressman Hoyer to serve as chair. The council consists of twelve Members who each represent one of the United States' twelve regions. The council is working to ensure that Americans in every corner of the country and in every zip code can access the opportunities created by the historic policies that Democrats secured in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Honoring Our PACT Act, and many others. "As the great Marylander Frederick Douglass once said: 'It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.' A strong education system is vital to America’s competitiveness in the 21st century," said Chair Hoyer. "From strengthening STEM and workforce development initiatives to keeping kids safe in the classroom, the Investing in America agenda continues to give school leaders the resources they need to support our students’ futures. Secretary Cardona and his team at the Department of Education are vital partners in that effort. I was pleased to talk with him about how these historic policies will continue to help our young people and their families get ahead." "I appreciate the work the Regional Leadership Council under Chair Hoyer is doing to raise the bar for public education in our country." said Secretary Cardona. "Through important laws like the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we are helping students accelerate their academic achievement, supporting student mental health, and building new pathways to brighter careers and futures."
