February 25, 2009 3:25PM 

# Who Is Chucking Kids out of the DC Voucher Liferaft? 

By [Andrew J. Coulson](https://www.cato.org/people/andrew-coulson) 

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As I blogged yesterday, Congressional Democrats have incorporated language into the 2009 omnibus spending bill that [would spell the beginning of the end of the DC voucher program](https://www.cato.org/2009/02/24/dems-want-dc-vouchers-dead-hope-someone-else-pulls-plug/).

According to Capitol Hill sources, the new language apparently flowed from the pen of Senator Dick Durbin (D — IL). But if so, Durbin is not alone in looking to end the program. The *DC Examiner* is reporting today that House Appropriations Committee Chairman [David Obey](http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/House-Dems-looking-to-kill-vouchers-set-up-roadblock-to-reauthorization_02_25-40260012.html) has urged DC Public Schools chancellor Michelle Rhee to prepare for the return of voucher students to DCPS.

How will they — and everyone who votes for this bill — justify their decision to [the kids whose dreams they aim to destroy](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKzZJoPu1OQ)?

##### Related Tags 

[Education](https://www.cato.org/education), [Center for Educational Freedom](https://www.cato.org/center-educational-freedom) 

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