Does not the President's larger objective for the Middle East, and for our relations with the Muslim world and for the war on terrorism require us to have a long-term commitment to reconstruction in Iraq?

Louisiana is not asking, Mr. Chairman, for lower standards, we are asking for using common sense.

I think it is the height of hypocrisy for him to open his budget with the quote 'The time for excuse-making has come to an end.'

Well, he reneged on this promise. He continues to make excuses and I think it is a shame.

He reneged, in my opinion, on his promise to fund the Leave No Child Behind Act.

I did not say it went to wealthy families. I do not have a problem helping wealthy families. My problem is when resources are limited we should help the poor families first, the middle-income families second, and the wealthy families…

one of the roles of the Federal Government is to try to close the opportunity gap between the affluent districts in this Nation and the disadvantaged districts

In my view one of the roles of the Federal Government is to try to close that gap and help those children that come from less affluent neighborhoods to actually have equal opportunity to succeed.

I want to go on record as saying that the President's budget is wholly inadequate to support the commitment that he made personally to the schools in Louisiana and to the schools throughout our Nation.

I am pleased to see that the District has been careful to look ahead and address looming budget pressures while maintaining priority services.

I am just trying to get a number of the children that we are talking about.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can sense your frustration. And I share some of that.