WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 471 to reauthorize the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (DCOSP):

“The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program has worked wonders for disadvantaged children throughout the District of Columbia and has proven beyond a doubt the vast effectiveness of school choice. When our education system is competitive, America stays competitive. This program must be reauthorized.

“According to an alarming study recently released by the Department of Education, only 56 percent of students in D.C. public schools graduate high school. On the other hand, students who receive vouchers to attend schools of their parents’ choosing graduate at a rate of 91 percent. The amazing difference that school choice makes in young peoples’ lives makes this a moral issue. I support this bill so that more children in D.C. will have a better opportunity to receive a quality education and achieve their dreams.”