Rosa L. DeLauro

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure no funds made available under such Acts may be awarded to a charter school or charter management organization that enters into a contract with a for-profit entity for operating, overseeing, or managing the charter school, and for other purposes.

in committee

Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act

in committee

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4213) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

in committee

“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E185-E186] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DEREK SIMPSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, for fifty-five years, the City of New Haven, Connecticut has been home to Derek Simpson Goldsmith, a jewelry store offering unique pieces of all kinds designed by the remarkable artist, Derek Simpson. At the end of this month, the store will close and Derek will retire--a loss for Downtown New Haven and jewelry lovers everywhere. A beloved artist, small business owner, and community member, Derek and his exceptional craftmanship will be missed by many. Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Derek earned a national design diploma upon his graduation from the School of Silversmithing at Sheffield College of Arts and Crafts. His undergraduate success was rewarded with a scholarship for post-graduate study at the Royal College of Art in the School of Silversmithing and Jewelry. Derek began his career working for renowned American jeweler, Bert C. Gore in Paris before returning to England where he was a professor of metalwork at the Rotherham School of Art and later the head of metalwork at Mid-Cheshire College of Art and Design. He enjoyed great success as a designer and educator; however, his true dream was to open his own jewelry store. It was a dream that he would fulfill here in America. With relatives in the area, Derek relocated to the New Haven, Connecticut, area in 1970. Just a year later, the owner of a bookstore on Park Street in City's downtown agreed to lease him a small space at the front of his business. It was here that Derek Simpson Goldsmith took root and Derek's dreams of owning his own business were realized. It was not long before both the business and inventory grew requiring Derek to seek a larger storefront. The design and creation of jewelry pieces is an art in and of itself. As a master jeweler, Derek is a brilliant artist. It is that nexus of art and jewelry that inspired former Yale President Henry Broude to offer Derek a retail space at the Yale Center for British Art while it was under construction in 1974. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, the Yale Center for British Art was a perfect fit and thus Derek Simpson Goldsmith found its second downtown New Haven home. Twenty years later, Derek later moved the business to its current downtown location on Chapel Street where it has remained since. Derek's mastery of design and his artistry have been recognized by local jewelry lovers and international celebrities alike. In addition to the incredibly popular and adored collections he has designed and sold in his stores, Derek has also been commissioned to create special pieces. Shirt studs for composer Leonard Bernstein, cufflinks for architect Philip Johnson, a pin and an earring respectively for American tennis greats Chris Evert, and Andre Aggasi, and necklaces for Olivia Newton-John and Patty Smith--all designed and created by Derek Simpson. In 1976, Derek was commissioned by the City of New Haven to design a silver pillbox, its lid etched with nine squares depicting New Haven original city plan. During the U.S. Bicentennial festivities in New Haven, the specially commissioned pillbox was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, II to commemorate the Nation's anniversary and her visit. On a more personal note, I have been a fan and customer of Derek's for decades. I have always been in awe of his talent and creativity. I am especially grateful to Derek for the engagement ring and wedding bands he designed for myself and my husband. His imagination and creativity are just astounding. We [[Page E186]] have been fortunate to have had him call New Haven home for so long. Though we are all sad to see the doors of Derek Simpson Goldsmith close, I am honored to have this opportunity to rise and thank him for sharing his talents with us for so many years. As he begins this new life chapter, I am honored to extend my very best wishes to Derek, his wife, Pamela, as well as their family, for many more years of health and happiness. I thank him for bringing so much joy to so many lives. ____________________”

2026-03-04 · Economy

“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E14] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest but most grateful of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my dear friend, William Wolpert Harris. Bill was an extraordinary person who dedicated a lifetime to improving the quality of life of every child in every community. Today family, friends, and colleagues will gather to share stories and their memories of Bill, highlighting the incredible impact his good work had on countless lives. Bill graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Wesleyan University in 1961 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked for several years in the private sector and served as a visiting lecturer and adjunct professor at several universities. However, it was in 1981 that Bill founded what would become his lifelong passion and ultimate legacy, KidsPac, a group that helped to focus legislators at every level of government on the importance of early childhood education. It was through these efforts that I was introduced to and got to know Bill. Together we worked to shape and, eventually, enact legislation that authorized and funded the United States Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. This initiative has resulted in the creation of a national network of thirty-eight centers focusing on child traumatic stress. Bill was also one of the staunchest supporters of the effort to expand the child tax credit. Over the years, his guidance and advocacy ensured that this policy remained at the forefront of discussion and debate. We were indeed kindred spirits and for more than two decades, under Bill's outstanding direction, KidsPac was a leader and respected voice in the advocacy for policies concerning childcare, prenatal health, and early education. For Bill, supporting children and enriching their early life experiences was not just a passion but a family occupation. Bill's father, Irving, founded the Erickson Institute as well as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and was instrumental in the development of the Yale Child Study Center and Zero to Three. Bill's late wife, Robie, was a celebrated children's author, unapologetic defender of free speech, and remarkable advocate for children. Bill and Robie's activism was integrated into every facet of their lives so it is no surprise that both of their sons, David and Ben, both followed in their footsteps. David, taking a page from his Bill's work, has focused his professional life on research and advocacy for policies that address child poverty. Ben, whose interests more mirrored his mother's, is now Clinical Professor at the Psychological Center at The City College of New York (CCNY), which provides low-to-moderate-cost services to the CCNY and West Harlem communities. In this role, and throughout his career, he has worked with a socioeconomically and culturally diverse range of children and adolescents as well as adults. Bill's dedication to issues concerning children and their health and well-being extended far beyond KidsPac. In 1984 Bill founded the Children's Research and Education Institute and he served on the advisory board of the Child Development Community Policing Program in conjunction with the Yale Child Study Center. He also served on numerous not-for-profit boards and advisory committees, including the Urban League, Wesleyan University, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Children's Program Steering Committee and the National Science Foundation's Review Panel of the Public Understanding of Science Program. Over his lifetime he received a myriad of awards for his work on behalf of children, including the Advocacy Award, Division of Child, Youth and Family Services, from the American Psychological Association; the Dale Richmond Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics; the Leadership Award for Public Service from Zero to Three; and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Wesleyan University. And just a few short years ago, Bill was honored alongside his son, David, by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies with its inaugural Public Advocacy Award for outstanding and fundamental contributions to advancing social understanding of trauma. On a personal note, it has been an enormous privilege to work with three generations of the Harris family--first Irving, then Bill, and now David--to develop and advocate for policies and programs that give children and their families the foundational security they need to learn and thrive. Through their unique understanding that our young people represent the fu”

2026-01-08 · Education

“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1206] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING COMPTROLLER GENERAL GENE L. DODARO ON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with my deepest respect and sincere appreciation that I rise today to honor Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office, as he concludes a remarkable career of more than fifty years in public service and retires at the end of this year. Gene Dodaro became the eighth Comptroller General of the United States on December 22, 2010, following his confirmation by the United States Senate. He was nominated by President Barack Obama from a bipartisan, bicameral list of candidates, reflecting the broad trust and confidence he had earned across party lines and across institutions. Prior to his confirmation, Gene served with distinction as Acting Comptroller General beginning in March of 2008, leading the Government Accountability Office during a period of significant economic uncertainty and national challenge. Throughout his career at GAO, Gene Dodaro has been a steadfast partner to the Congress, and particularly to the Committee on Appropriations. His work has strengthened Congress's ability to exercise its most fundamental constitutional responsibility, the power of the purse. Time and again, GAO's independent, nonpartisan analysis under Gene's leadership has equipped appropriators with the facts needed to conduct meaningful oversight, hold executive agencies accountable, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent as Congress intends. Gene has testified before Congress dozens of times on issues of critical importance, including the federal government's long-term fiscal outlook, the Nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent challenges stemming from waste, fraud, abuse, and duplication across federal programs. GAO's High-Risk List, developed and refined during his tenure, has become an indispensable tool for Congress, helping to focus attention on long-standing vulnerabilities, from improper payments in Medicare and Medicaid to chronic management weaknesses at the Department of Defense. As Comptroller General, Gene Dodaro oversaw the development and issuance of hundreds of GAO reports and testimonies each year at the request of congressional committees and individual Members. These products have informed hearings, guided appropriations and authorizing legislation, and led to billions of dollars in taxpayer savings, while improving the effectiveness and integrity of federal programs and services. For those of us responsible for making difficult funding decisions, the GAO's work has been essential, and Gene's leadership has ensured its continued excellence and credibility. Equally important, Gene Dodaro understood that GAO's effectiveness depends on the strength, expertise, and dedication of its workforce. Under his leadership, GAO has consistently been recognized as one of the very best places to work in the federal government. For the fifth consecutive year, GAO has ranked number one among mid-size federal agencies in the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings. This extraordinary achievement reflects Gene's commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect for public servants. Gene also worked to ensure that GAO evolves alongside the needs of Congress. He expanded GAO's capacity in science, technology, cybersecurity, and emerging risks, recognizing that effective oversight requires forward-looking expertise and fiscal discipline. Throughout his tenure, he upheld GAO's core values of independence, professionalism, and nonpartisanship, earning the respect of Members on both sides of the aisle. Gene Dodaro's legacy is measured not only in reports issued or dollars saved, but in the enduring strength of an institution that plays a central role in preserving Congress's authority and protecting the public trust. His leadership has made Congress better informed, government more accountable, and taxpayer dollars better safeguarded. As Gene Dodaro marks his retirement, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest thanks for his extraordinary service to our Nation. I wish him and his family many years of health, happiness, and fulfillment in this next chapter of life. The Congress and especially those of us on the Committee on Appropriations are profoundly grateful for his lasting contributions and his unwavering commitment to public service. ____________________”

2025-12-16 · Government Reform