District of Columbia School Voucher Supporters Strike Deal with Feds

Congressional backers of the Opportunity Scholarship Program reached an agreement with the White House to keep the District’s controversial private school voucher program up and running, reports the Washington Post.

The agreement allows unlimited enrollment in the program and guarantees parents a quick response to their applications. House Speaker John Boehner and U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman authored the legislation, according to the paper.

The program, which helps low-income students pay for private school, has been controversial since President Barack Obama agreed to sign the legislation last year despite Democrat's opposition; and since the president didn't request any funding for the program in his fiscal 2013 budget. The program's supporters accused Obama of trying to undermine it. The legislation grants the District $60 million each year in federal funding, reports the Post.