Mike Levin: “I cannot support the continuing resolution which is before the Senate today. This resolution cuts education funds to the…”

“I cannot support the continuing resolution which is before the Senate today. This resolution cuts education funds to the House passed level, except for those programs that were not funded by the House in which case they are cut by 25 percent. If we were to extend this continuing resolution for the remainder of the fiscal year, the impact would be an unprecedented $3.1 billion cut in education funds from the fiscal year 1995 funding level. And, it contains deep cuts in a range of important domestic priorities, like a 25 percent reduction in the funds to put 100,000 cops on the streets of America. This in a year in which $7 billion more has been appropriated in defense spending than the Pentagon asked for. We are presented on the last day before funding once again runs out for these agencies of the Government and for their programs with a continuing resolution that makes deep cuts in vital and proven education programs. The failure to support a simple continuing resolution that adequately funds education programs at fiscal year 1995 levels is creating serious problems for schools, teachers, and students. Our children--America's future--are the innocent victims of this retreat from education.”