Mark Souder: “I know many people are concerned about the standards in their schools. But this is something different. This is…”

“I know many people are concerned about the standards in their schools. But this is something different. This is Washington pointing an accusing finger at our Nation's children, many trapped in inner city, broken down schools and saying you miserable little failures. Do we really want Washington doing that? Many people, myself included, I think have been very confused by the mixed signals that the President is sending. Now I happen to believe that there is a responsible public policy approach to dealing with a potential surplus. For that reason, I am cosponsoring legislation offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Neumann) which is consistent with a number of important policy objectives. Last year, 300 of us had the courage to say that is not Washington's business, that is the business of parents, local school boards, and the States. The question today and the question before us is who is going to flip-flop their vote today.”