Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his extraordinary leadership as the new ranking member on the Education and the Workforce Committee, bringing with him all of his commitment to education in our country as well as his knowledge of the connection of young people to our justice system and how to provide opportunities for them in the safest possible way. I thank Mr. Scott for his great leadership. We are all very, very proud of you. I know your predecessor in this role, Mr. George Miller, would be as well. {time} 1530 I thank you, Chairman Kline, for your leadership as well and for enabling this bipartisan legislation to come to the floor. I salute the chairman and ranking member in the Senate as well. Fifty years ago our Nation took a bold and historic step forward for educational opportunity, for the strength of our economy, and for the health of our democracy, which is based on an informed electorate, enacting the ESEA. Today the Elementary and Secondary Education Act stands as one of the landmark victories in both the struggle for civil rights and the War on Poverty. At the bill signing in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, himself a former teacher, explained: ``No law I have signed or will ever sign means more to the future of America.'' President Johnson added: ``Education is the only valid passport from poverty.'' In addition to what it returns to the individual and enables that person to reach his or her aspirations, education brings much to our economy.…”