Chaffetz Applauds House Passage of DC Opportunity Scholarships Reauthorization

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably to reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR Reauthorization Act), H.R. 10, introduced by Speaker John Boehner and co-sponsored by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). This bipartisan legislation provides $60 million annually through 2021 toward education for the District of Columbia’s children. The SOAR Act continues the three sector approach to education within the District, where funds are equally distributed to DC public schools, DC public charter schools, and the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP).

“Today’s vote is a win for DC students who desire and deserve a quality education. By providing equal federal funds to DC public schools, DC public charter schools, and the Opportunity Scholarship Program, all DC children gain greater access to a quality education. Speaker Boehner’s leadership and commitment to education has been remarkable and I thank him for his tireless efforts on this bill. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation immediately and continue the tradition of educational opportunity that all DC students deserve,” said Chairman Chaffetz.

On October 9, 2015, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a markup on H.R. 10 which passed by recorded vote. The OSP has helped over 6,000 DC children gain access to a quality education. For the 2013-2014 school year, OSP students had a graduation rate of 89 percent, while the DC Public School graduation rate was 58 percent. On average, 92 percent of OSP graduates enroll in a college or university.