ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 3, 2023)—National PTA is pleased to honor Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) with its 2023 Congressional Voice for Children Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing issues impacting children and youth. National PTA will acknowledge Senator Romney and Representative Bonamici during the association’s 2023 Virtual Legislative Conference, Tuesday, March 7.

“Senator Romney and Representative Bonamici have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education and that their health and safety is prioritized, which is more urgent now than ever,” said Anna King, president of National PTA. “They are true voices on Capitol Hill for change that helps our children and their families get the support every child needs to learn, grow and thrive. We thank and commend them for their efforts on behalf of our nation’s young people, and we are pleased to honor them with our 2023 Congressional Voice for Children Award.”

Senator Romney is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee and Subcommittee on Children and Families. He supports policies that ensure young people have the skills or training necessary for the jobs of the future—especially in the advanced manufacturing, tech and engineering sectors. Last year, Senator Romney was part of a key Republican vote to support the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which includes substantial investments in mental health, school safety and state-led crisis intervention programs.

“Last year, I was proud to help get the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act across the finish line to help keep our schools safe,” said Senator Romney. “Working on behalf of our children and their education remains a priority of mine here in Washington. I’m grateful for the work that National PTA does to advocate for our kids and promote stronger family engagement in our schools, and I look forward to our continued relationship.”

Representative Bonamici is a leader on the House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee and Ranking Member of the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee. The Congresswoman has long been an advocate for strengthening public education and for equity in education policy and funding. She is also dedicated to setting national policies that give students the support and opportunities they need to succeed in school and in life. Recently, Representative Bonamici called upon National PTA as a thought partner in drawing greater attention to the urgent need of strengthening family engagement policy in our nation’s public school system.

“It is an honor to receive National PTA’s 2023 Congressional Voice for Children Award,” said Representative Bonamici. “I spent more than 15 years as an active volunteer in public education, working closely with teachers, families and school leaders—so this award is particularly special. Family involvement and collaboration help students thrive, and I am committed to improving the ability of parents from all backgrounds to authentically engage with their child’s public schools. I look forward to continuing our partnership to make public schools more equitable, inclusive and supportive for each and every student and family.”

Senator Romney and Representative Bonamici will be recognized during an awards ceremony as part of National PTA’s 2023 Virtual Legislative Conference. Every year, National PTA’s Legislative Conference or LegCon brings together PTA leaders and advocates from across the country to take action on the association’s public policy priorities. During the conference, attendees will hear from speakers and participate in workshops to expand their knowledge of federal law, grow their advocacy skills and learn how to shape public policy on Capitol Hill and at home. Attendees will also amplify their voices by meeting virtually with their members of Congress, Wednesday, March 8. The theme for this year’s conference is Health & Safety for Every Child.

“At PTA, we remain steadfast in our mission to make every child’s potential a reality, and we will never stop speaking loudly and demanding more for every child and young person across our country,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “Our children are the future of our nation, and it is critical that we ensure their health and safety to help them reach their full potential and carry our nation into a brighter future.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.