I have introduced legislation, H.R. 1578, the Fast Track to College Act, that would support early college, high school, and other dual-enrollment programs.

I can just imagine how devastated I would be if something like this would happen to one of my children.

We all, up here, recognize that your influence on education goes well beyond North Carolina.

They would never have done that 5 years ago, would they, Commissioner?

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chair, when my daughter was in high school, and injury on the job took place in my district.

I defy anyone in this room to look around them and not see something, a tie, these paintings, you know, the curtains behind the chairman, every one of these things, designed by an artist.

Children who receive quality early childhood education and development services do better in reading and math, and are more likely to graduate from high school attend college, and hold higher paying jobs.

Because the federal budget should reflect our values as a nation. And that is just what the President's budget will do.

That is why I was so pleased to see that President Obama's budget will commit significant new resources to early childhood.

It is appropriate that this is our first hearing this congress, both because we are here to focus on the first years of a child's life and because there is no issue more important than early childhood development.