Political Quotes

“I am pleased to rise to support H.R. 1385, the Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act of 1997. We have been talking for several years now about the need to create an integrated employment and training system that meets the challenge of preparing American workers for the jobs of the future. Last year our efforts collapsed in conference, I believe largely due to problems in the Senate. This year, however, the gentleman from California [Mr. McKeon], the subcommittee chairman, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling], the committee chairman, have approached this issue in a bipartisan manner, and I believe the bill before us today reflects the consensus approach they have taken to job training reform. In particular, I certainly appreciate the fact that they have ensured that the Federal investment in dislocated workers is maintained. While it is important to streamline and integrate job training programs, it would have been short-sighted to have done so in a way that reduced our ability to provide services to workers in transition. The guarantee of a separate funding stream within the adult block grant in H.R. 1385 is a major improvement over last year's legislation. I am also pleased to see the extent to which this bill builds upon what is already working in local communities. The bill also strengthens accountability in the job training system.”