WASHINGTON — Congressman Tim Walberg chaired a markup session on Wednesday for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, reviewing seven bills related to education freedom, college accreditation, and worker benefits.
Walberg said the proposals aim to provide parents with more educational options, improve accountability in higher education, and expand access to healthcare and benefits for small businesses and federal workers. The markup included a review of bills related to charter schools, college accreditation standards, and protections for small businesses offering employee benefits.
The committee considered the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act, which would make it easier to open new charter schools. Lawmakers also reviewed two college accreditation reform bills that focus on student outcomes and prohibit accreditors from using political viewpoints as standards. Additional legislation addressed expanding association health plans, protecting employers’ right to self-insure, safeguarding retirement plan management, and increasing access to care for injured federal workers through nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
The committee’s review of the proposed bills is ongoing. No final votes were taken at Wednesday’s session.
If advanced, the bills would move to the House floor for further consideration. Walberg stated that the legislation aims to provide greater flexibility and support for parents, businesses, and federal employees.