I certainly hope there will be overwhelming support for this program. Not only did we accept this on our last education bill, but we were able to maintain it in the conference as well. We certainly hope we will be able to do so in this…

If a plan is comprehensive, systemic, and directed toward helping all students meet challenging standards, it will be acceptable. In any case, States that have taken the initiative in formulating a viable plan and, in some cases have the…

just very briefly, we urge the Senate to accept this amendment. It is supported by the administration. I believe there was this kind of flexibility in the legislation initially. This makes it more explicit, and we support the amendment.

Funds will be available during the first year to assist States that wish to develop plans for systemic education improvement. In subsequent years the funds might be used to complete a State's plan or to implement the plan already developed…

I look forward to voting for Bill Perry for that position. Many of us know of the very effective work he has done in the Defense Department a number of years ago and during these recent months as Deputy Secretary of Defense. All of us who…

I intend to support the amendment of the Senator from North Carolina, as amended, and for these reasons. Under the modification, the amendment only applies, actually, when a court determines that a school district has a policy that…

I will continue with some examples that were taken in the State of Minnesota, the charter schools, and a couple of schools in Dade County. A number of efforts that they developed has been reported by Tom Toch in the U.S. News article. I…

I think in a very short time the Senate will have an opportunity to express its view on the amendment of the Senator from North Carolina, and also an alternative view that will encourage individuals in schools to take time for meditation…

the remarks made by Mr. Muhammed at Kean College are deeply offensive to every American who abhors discrimination in all its ugly forms. America's motto is ``E Pluribus Unum''--Out of Many, One. We are at our strongest when we are united…

just very briefly, it was never our intent to establish in this legislation an unfunded mandate or to require that as a result of this legislation, we would be requiring of the States expenditures that the States did not desire. We have…

I think there are many reasons to pass this legislation, but I think one of the important reasons is the very significant additional flexibility that we give to the States and local school boards in working through this process.

we have worked out a compromise. This amendment makes it clear that every State plan must adopt strategies to provide every child an opportunity to learn. The language is streamlined and simplified. We also incorporate provisions for…