A bipartisan, bicameral resolution offered by U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) would support the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and celebrate the 50th annual National Catholic Schools Week.
“As a proud graduate of Catholic grade school, high school, and college, I look forward to highlighting the achievements of Catholic schools in Illinois and across America each year during National Catholic Schools Week,” said Rep. LaHood, who sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 985 on Jan. 30.
This year’s National Catholic Schools Week was celebrated from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3 and is recognized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Education Association.
Rep. LaHood has led a congressional resolution of support for National Catholic Schools Week for the past four years, according to his staff.
“During the 50th Anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week, I applaud the 16 Catholic schools in the 16th District of Illinois and across the country [that] invest in their student’s academic and spiritual formation,” Rep. LaHood said. “My experience in Catholic schools helped me prepare for life experiences as a husband, father, and member of Congress, and I am proud to lead this effort to recognize their contributions to society.”
The resolution has 25 original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), as well as 19 Republicans, including U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-AR), David Valadao (R-CA), Garret Graves (R-LA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Bryan Steil (R-WI), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).
“Catholic schools play a critical role in the development of our nation’s youth, providing an affordable, quality education to a diverse body of 1.7 million students throughout the country,” said Rep. Neal. “I am proud to sign on as a cosponsor of this resolution.”
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. Senate, according to Rep. LaHood’s office.