Political Quotes

“Here we go again, back to the same bill we debated earlier this year that continues to embrace the idea that less Federal oversight over Federal dollars is what we need to transform K-12 education. The opposition seems to believe that removing Federal standards would help local leaders make tough decisions. That is absolutely wrong. It actually makes it harder. For 9 years, I served on a school board in a large urban school district, and I remember agonizing over the decision to move money from one high-needs school to another. In the end, it was the law and safeguards around title I that helped direct us to make sure the money went to the students that required the greatest assistance. This changes that. Mr. Speaker, what we need is a Federal law that gives guidance to local school board members that must deal with thousands of competing interests every single day and which enables local leaders ultimately to make the right decision. Mr. Speaker, today represents a missed opportunity. We need a 21st century education system that makes investment in all our Nation's children. That and only that will help our Nation compete in the global economy. Today's reauthorization of ESEA not only misses the mark, but actually moves us in the wrong direction. I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule, a ``no'' vote on final passage and also on the Salmon amendment.”