Political Quotes

“I congratulate and thank Senator Kennedy and Senator Gregg for their leadership and the tremendous amount of manhours to bring this legislation to this point. I thank all my colleagues deeply involved in this issue. It is said that knowledge is power. We know that our country's economic engine is fueled by a skilled workforce. It is critical we focus on education. I know the main goal of the compromise bill is to narrow, over a 12-year period, the educational achievement gap between the poor, disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers, and between minority and nonminority students. Wide achievement gaps between these groups have been tolerated for decades at great personal and social cost. We need to constantly repeat the fact that accountability is not just a test. It is parents, teachers, administrators, communities, and, yes, it is resources. I appreciate the fact there are additional resources designated in this bill. However, while I intend to support this legislation, I am deeply disturbed and disappointed that we are not taking the opportunity to finally fulfill a 25-year promise regarding special education in this country. Fully funding IDEA is something whose time is past due. While it is not in this legislation, I am very concerned that we continue the fight so next year IDEA is reauthorized and we finally get it done.”