David Durenberger: “I'm pleased to join my distinguished colleagues from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Kansas, Vermont, Indiana, and other…”

“I'm pleased to join my distinguished colleagues from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Kansas, Vermont, Indiana, and other States as an original co-sponsor of legislation reauthorizing the Head Start Program. This is truly a bipartisan initiative and I look forward to continued close cooperation between Republicans and Democrats who care deeply about this Nation's children as this reauthorization goes forward. I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation in part because of my strong past support for Head Start and because of the strong support that Head Start enjoys in my State. During its last reauthorization, I was a cosponsor, conferee and strong proponent of the changes we made in the Head Start law, including increased authorized funding levels designed to 'fully fund' this important program. In the past, I've also communicated my strong support for substantial increases in annual appropriations for Head Start--through my votes and in letters and other communication with the Senate Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee. While I have been a strong supporter in the past, Mr. President, I also agree with a growing number of Head Start proponents who are calling for a fundamental review of this important program prior to approving significant additional increases in spending.”