Mark Kelly: “Republicans have made a solid commitment to education. But the Clinton-Gore administration and the Democrats in Congress…”

“Republicans have made a solid commitment to education. But the Clinton-Gore administration and the Democrats in Congress want the Federal Government to decide what local schools can and cannot do. This is really what separates the two parties on education policy. The focus of education should not be about quantity and process. It should focus on quality and results. This is what will help our children and grandchildren secure America's future. Our children and grandchildren will benefit greatly from the work we have done and the decisions we have made. Paying off the debt means $1,348 in savings for every man, woman and child. That is money that can be spent for education or even retirement savings. It also means $5,200 in savings for every American family, which is enough money for annual tuition at a public university. Mr. Speaker, this Congress has ended the old spend-now-and-pay-later attitude that created deficits as far as the eye could see. I believe it is morally wrong to pass on our debt to our children and grandchildren. They should not have to inherit prior profligate spending. By committing to dedicate at least 90 percent of future surplus to reducing the national debt, we will secure America's future for our children and our grandchildren.”