John Ensign: “before I speak on my amendment, briefly I will comment about Senator Boxer's amendment. Senator Boxer and I have worked…”

“before I speak on my amendment, briefly I will comment about Senator Boxer's amendment. Senator Boxer and I have worked long and hard on afterschool programs, something in which I passionately believe. We worked to try to have this program increased without adding to the deficit, so we had an offset. It was unfortunate the offset was not accepted. I will continue to work with Senator Boxer because it is a program in which I believe. However, I also believe in staying within the budget. So reluctantly, I will have to vote against Senator Boxer's amendment. I say reluctantly. It pains me to do so. To be consistent with my voting record this year, I have voted consistently to stay within the budget. I will reluctantly oppose that amendment. Getting to my amendment, this is a very simple amendment, and I will not speak long because I know everyone needs to get home. I will keep it as simple as possible. My amendment will stop the Department of Education from competing against private companies in the United States that are developing software to teach Chinese students to speak the English language. Normally, one would think that would be a good thing, for the Department of Education to be able to help the Chinese students learn English--English is an international language--that would be a good thing, and we all applaud those efforts.…”