On the recordOctober 31, 1997
a sound public school system is how we prepare all of our children for the high skilled, high wage jobs that ensure America's leadership in this world marketplace and ensures that these children will earn a livable wage and not be on welfare as adults. Public education is the backbone of our country. It is why we are a great Nation. Public education is available to all. It does not discriminate, and it must be strengthened, not weakened. Today's rule will profoundly weaken our public schools, forcing charter school supporters to go on record supporting school voucher plans that support a religious school. That, Madam Speaker, flies in the face of providing opportunity to all children. We do not hesitate in thinking that religious schools should be available. What we say is choose your religious school. Do not take it away from our public education system. That is where the real opportunity lies.
Source
govinfo.gov
