Political Quotes

“In the 105th Congress, I offered my legislation, the Prevention of Truancy Act, as an amendment to the Ed-Flex bill during the Labor and Human Resources Committee's consideration, where it failed on a tie vote. It was my intention to offer it on the floor on this bill. However, I am pleased instead to be on the floor with my colleague from Alabama, Senator Sessions, to discuss our common interest in assisting communities address this real and serious problem and express our intent to offer legislation similar to the bill I offered last year soon. We will also be working with Senator Bingaman who offered similar legislation last Congress and Senator Collins who supported my amendment in Committee last year. Senator Sessions, a new member to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Youth Violence, believes as I do that truancy is a gateway offense, and that this legislation would present us with an opportunity to catch good kids before it is too late. The Senator from Alabama has worked hard for the duration of his career on finding solutions to difficult issues such as truancy. I believe this legislation will truly make a difference in the lives of many children and, at the same time, prevent juvenile crime. I also believe that our working together will produce strong, solid legislation that we should all be able to support.”