Jim Baird: “Mr. Chairman, there are existing programs within the Department of Energy assistance to schools. While we believe this…”

“Mr. Chairman, there are existing programs within the Department of Energy assistance to schools. While we believe this is somewhat different from the exact nature of those programs existing now, we believe it is within the same spirit. The premise here is this: the Department of Energy has within its purview the opportunity to provide money for local schools to help them meet energy costs. We see this more as an extension of that program rather than a new authorization. Let me reiterate, we have schools that are facing a million dollar shortfall in their energy budget, and that is unacceptable. This Congress has an opportunity to help those schools out. We believe we should do so. We believe the cuts that are offered within this amendment are reasonable and fair. While we respect the budget caps, we believe we should put our children first. If we really want to say, leave no child behind, we should also say leave no child in the dark or in the cold, and make sure that they have adequate teachers. This bill will help ensure that occurs.”