Patsy T. Mink: “I rise in strong support of H.R. 6, the Improving America's School Act, which reauthorizes all major Federal elementary…”

“I rise in strong support of H.R. 6, the Improving America's School Act, which reauthorizes all major Federal elementary and secondary education programs. It is with great pride and pleasure that I speak in support of this bill, for I was on the Education and Labor Committee in 1965 when we first passed the Elementary and Secondary Educational Act. At that time it was a landmark piece of legislation which demonstrated the Federal Government's commitment to assisting State and local efforts to educate the children of America, particularly the disadvantaged, those in poverty, and children with special needs. We have all witnessed the success of the Elementary and Secondary Education Programs over the last 30 years. School districts all across the Nation depend upon these Federal dollars to meet the educational needs of their children, whether it is through chapter I, chapter II, the Eisenhower Math and Science Program, Impact Aid, Bilingual Education and many other important programs. Today the bill we bring to the floor retains the strong Federal commitment to help those children most in need, while revamping programs to better coordinate with local reform efforts.”