GOP senator opposes repeal of education rule

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) is bucking the Republican trend on regulations.

Portman said Monday he opposes a GOP plan to overturn a controversial education regulation through the Congressional Review Act, which allows lawmakers to strike down certain recently enacted regulations with a simple majority vote.

The Education Department’s accountability measures for states are on the hot seat, but Portman said he will defend the rules.

“I do not support repealing the regulation requiring states to provide parents with accurate information on how their students are performing, which will help ensure our schools are accountable for results,” Portman said in a statement. “These measures balance state flexibility while reinforcing protections for students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families.”

“We must do more to provide a better education for all students, including those who have been traditionally underserved,” he added.

Republicans have turned to the Congressional Review Act to repeal a number of Obama-era regulations. 

The House voted last month to overturn the education regulation, and the Senate is expected to take up the measure in the near future. Republicans can only afford for two senators to cross party lines if they hope to pass the bill.