Columbia Standard

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) and House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) introduced the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, a bill that seeks to restore and affirm the fundamental right of parents to control the upbringing of their child. The legislation aims to prevent federal government overreach and ensure that parents remain the primary decision-makers in their child's life.

"Parents have a fundamental right to control the upbringing of their child, whether it’s in the classroom or at home," said Senator Scott. "Yet, far too often, parents are being pushed out of their child’s lives, and kids are paying the price. I’m fighting to put parents back in the driver’s seat and ensure they remain the lead decision-maker in their child’s life."

Senator Lankford echoed this sentiment, stating, "Moms and dads have the right – and responsibility – to determine what’s best for their kids. Good parents should not live in fear of their own government every day. Whenever parental rights are threatened by federal government overreach, families deserve a fair hearing before a court. The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act preserves the rights of parents and restricts government overreach into our homes and families."

Congresswoman Foxx highlighted the urgent need for this legislation, saying, "In America today, the rights of millions of parents are under siege – this moment calls for a targeted course correction so that these proud men and women can raise their children without government infringement. The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act serves not only as a reinforced bulwark for parental rights but also as a fundamental check against the government whenever it decides to enforce policies that fail to extend due deference to parental decision-making. I am immensely proud to introduce this legislation alongside Senators Scott and Lankford to further safeguard the rights of parents."

The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), aims to protect parents' rights to direct their children's upbringing. The legislation seeks to prevent the federal government from infringing on these rights without first passing the strict scrutiny test. It also enables parents to use the violation of their rights in judicial or administrative proceedings at both the federal and state levels.

The full text of the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act can be found [here](link).

This bill is a significant step towards restoring and safeguarding parental rights in the United States. It recognizes the crucial role parents play in shaping their children's lives and seeks to ensure that parents can make decisions in the best interest of their children without unnecessary government interference.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-scott-lankford-congresswoman-foxx-champion-bill-to-restore-parental-rights/