Pathetic.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan used a speech yesterday before the National Press Club to deliver a verbal beat down on Congress and critics of Common Core.

“They are creating stress and uncertainty … at a time when our schools need stability and investment,” Education Week quoted Duncan as saying regarding the partial government shutdown.

“Think of all the unfinished business in Congress that actually affects our school children, from comprehensive immigration reform to common sense gun laws,” Duncan said, according to the Washington Examiner.

“If the slaughter of children and teachers and the principal at Sandy Hook Elementary School didn’t move them, I honestly don’t know what will,” he said.