Barbara Boxer: “I ask for a minute of my time to say simply that Senator Coverdell criticizes my proposal because it is a new program…”

“I ask for a minute of my time to say simply that Senator Coverdell criticizes my proposal because it is a new program when he in fact is putting forward a new program. The issue is not about creating a new program. He doesn't like this program, he likes his. Senator Coverdell's proposal gives the average private school household a $37 a year benefit; if you are in public school, you fare worse, $7 a year. And he likes the program. That is fine. But he doesn't talk about these deleterious amendments that have made this a very dangerous bill by canceling 20 programs that help our children read and learn. Programs created by President Eisenhower, Senator Javits, tried and true programs, are canceled, put in a block grant to let the locals do what they want. The fact is, the local districts like these programs yet this bill seeks to eliminate them. Other programs supported by local districts are rejected out of hand. The Senate rejects putting more teachers in the classroom; rejects any national testing. This is a bill that has now been amended in such a fashion it does harm to our children.”