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.

In my view one of the roles of the Federal Government is to try to close that gap and help those children that come from less affluent neighborhoods to actually have equal opportunity to succeed.

one of the roles of the Federal Government is to try to close the opportunity gap between the affluent districts in this Nation and the disadvantaged districts

I did not say it went to wealthy families. I do not have a problem helping wealthy families. My problem is when resources are limited we should help the poor families first, the middle-income families second, and the wealthy families third. Your budget does not reflect that principle. I disagree with it.

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

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.'

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 that is absolutely what we should be doing.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.