Tom Harkin actually said...

"I think it represents a fair representation of where the principle stood."

"I don't see this as a philosophical debate at all. I see it as a practical debate affecting real live students."

"I believe the committee's bill takes several important steps forward by, first, resetting our national goal from students attaining proficiency to ensuring that students graduate from high school prep..."

"We are making history. It's the first time, first time a congressional committee has met for an official hearing and every witness is deaf."