Speaker Pelosi Names Congressman Fattah Co-Chair for National Children's Summit

WASHINGTON, March 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today she will convene a bipartisan National Summit on America's Children on Tuesday, May 22, and that Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) will serve as one of three co-chairs.

"Congressman Fattah has been a strong and effective advocate for our nation's children and their educational needs from the day he entered the House," Speaker Pelosi said. "I am pleased to appoint him to the leadership of this Summit where he can share his expertise and help shape the children's policy agenda for the 110th Congress."

Pelosi said the Summit will hear from national experts on recent scientific findings and how they relate to early childhood development. She also appointed as Summit co-chairs Congressman George Miller (D-Calif) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn), who serve as co-chairs of the House Steering and Policy Committee.

"I am honored that the Speaker is extending this invitation to me," Fattah said. "Participation in the Summit is evidence of my firm belief that we must advocate for children from the time they are born until they have reached their highest educational potential."

Fattah added: "I share the Speaker's concern that our policy be evidence based. I look forward to collaborating with Chairman Miller and Congresswoman DeLauro, two tireless champions of our youngest citizens, to make certain that our policy supports the most relevant research on how best our children grow and learn."

The Congressman's tireless work on behalf of children, particularly low income children, is known throughout the Congress. Committed to educational equity and college access for all, he is the architect of GEAR UP, a national program that has helped millions of students on the path to higher education.

In addition to his work with GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) the Congressman has sponsored the Fattah Conference on Higher Education in Philadelphia and co-founded the CORE Philly scholars program, both seeking to increase the number of Philadelphians with undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

Continuing the work of the Civil Rights Movement, Fattah has introduced the Student Bill of Rights, which seeks to ensure that every child, regardless of zip code, has access to the fundamentals needed for academic excellence.

The Children's Summit will convene leading scientists and experts in a wide array of areas, including early childhood learning, health care, and child care. Practitioners of innovative public and private initiatives will be invited to attend to offer research-based testimony to assist the lawmakers in the development of federal policy.

In addition to Members of Congress, state and local officials will be invited to participate. Representatives of child and family policy organizations also will be invited to attend.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

Last Updated: March 29, 2007