Political Quotes

“I will briefly explain what we accomplished in this amendment. An agreement was reached to allow the Thomas J. Pappas School in Arizona to remain open and eligible for Federal funds, including these homeless education funds. A modified version of the amendment I offered to accomplish this will be incorporated into the bill shortly. For the information of my colleagues, the Pappas School is well known and very well regarded in the greater Phoenix area because it combines a high-quality education with essential social services required by the homeless students who attend the school. I have visited the school, and I know the work they are doing is very good. I also think it would be a grave disservice to the children who have already borne significant misfortune in their lives if the Federal Government deprived them of the opportunity to attend an institution that has served them so well. Last fall, president Bush visited the school and came away very impressed by the commitment of the staff and the hope those dedicated professionals have instilled in their students. The agreement I speak of was hammered out by Senator Feinstein, Senator Murray, Senator Boxer, Senator McCain, and myself, and revises the language in the underlying bill to allow the Pappas School and a number of other worthy schools to continue serving children in need. It ensures essential safeguards for homeless students, and their families are protected.”