In my, as we call it in the Senate, so-called maiden address, I spoke on this subject, and I said I thought we had spent over the last 30 or 40 years too much time, relatively, on diversity, multiculturalism, and bilingualism and too…

I still think I am right. I think our diversity and variety is one of the greatest strengths that we have as a country, but Jerusalem and the Balkans and Iraq are all diverse.

Too many of our children do not know what makes America exceptional.

The hearing today will address the intersection of two concerns which are extremely important to the future of our country: the education of our children and the principles that unite us as Americans.

Children usually do not learn because they are not being taught, and so the focus today is to put an increased focus on the teaching of American history and civics.

I want to especially acknowledge the presence of Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia.

I hope you don't come to the same end he did.

This hearing is specifically on the subject of legislation which I introduced with 19 cosponsors.

the legislation I propose today will help our schools do what they were established to do in the first place.

It is time that we put the teaching of American history and civics back in its rightful place in our schools so our children can grow up learning what it means to be an American.

We are not doing a very good job of teaching just what those values are.

It calls for a coordinator on the overall aviation research.

I would like your comments on that because I am very interested, frankly, as we write a new highway bill, that we do that.

I believe that the money we are talking about today, frankly, should primarily be going for education issues and behavioral modification issues.

Senate Bill 1139, introduced by Senator Mike DeWine and Senator Frank Lautenberg, provides funding for increased enforcement efforts across the country.

There needs to be money. I agree with Dr. Runge, there are States out there that it is more deadly to drive in than others.

The key, it seems to me, we are all for flexibility, but it is clear from your comments earlier you are for flexibility but you are also for accountability.

I think that is a great quote.