Washington - Recently, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) co-sponsored an amendment to a government funding bill authored by Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) that would help to ensure charter schools like those he represents in the Tenth District can continue to receive federal funding.

"I have had the opportunity to visit many charter schools here in the Tenth District and witness firsthand the vital role they play in educating students and ensuring their success," said Congressman McHenry. "This amendment will help to ensure charter schools continue making a difference in students' lives and in the communities they serve."

Background: The amendment would strike Section 314 of H.R. 4502, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. Section 314 restricts charter schools from contracting with a for-profit entity.

This language singles out charter schools and says federal funding may not be awarded to charter schools that contract with private, for profit management operation companies or other group that would “operate, oversee, or manage” the school. The amendment if agreed to, would continue to allow charter schools to receive federal funding. Unfortunately, the amendment was not made in order and will not be included in H.R. 4502.