Louisiana is not asking, Mr. Chairman, for lower standards, we are asking for using common sense.

He reneged, in my opinion, on his promise to fund the Leave No Child Behind Act.

Well, he reneged on this promise. He continues to make excuses and I think it is a shame.

I am going to do everything I can to oppose these two programs and instead try to support the public schools, as well as choice for parents, real choice that means something to them.

I think that is absolutely what we should be doing.

I want to go on record as saying that the President's budget is wholly inadequate to support the commitment that he made personally to the schools in Louisiana and to the schools throughout our Nation.

I think it is the height of hypocrisy for him to open his budget with the quote 'The time for excuse-making has come to an end.'

The time for excuses is over. The President and his administration should be the ones that stop making excuses and be a good example for everyone else.

And of course, our committee takes very seriously this responsibility because we basically are a direct appropriator to these Federal agencies.

Thank you. First of all, let me thank both of you for stepping up to the positions that you have been asked to serve in with such enthusiasm.

I think I will pass on the questions. I have gotten explanations for what I was concerned about.

One of the issues, Mr. Chairman, is that they only have files for kids that have had a change in their placement.

Let me just add something that might clarify it, because Senator DeWine will remember...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can sense your frustration. And I share some of that.

we have a responsibility to lead on this issue and send a strong signal to the American people that we're willing to do what's necessary to protect investors.

I ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business for the next 20 minutes for the purpose of introducing a piece of legislation