James M. Jeffords: “I want to keep this bill, the Ed-Flex bill, clear of amendments in order that we can expedite its passage. This will…”

“I want to keep this bill, the Ed-Flex bill, clear of amendments in order that we can expedite its passage. This will have good reception in the House. I want to get this done so the Governors can, as soon as possible, have the flexibility to be able to handle the problems created in the present law--especially title I. I am not going to accept any amendments that are related to the elementary and secondary education reauthorization. Otherwise, we will be here all the rest of this year talking and blocking all other legislation because we cannot get this little Ed-Flex bill out, which is small but is really important. I have alerted everyone that I will not accept and will oppose any amendments which are related to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization on which we are presently holding hearings. To do it piecemeal, as Members are attempting to do, to do things in this piecemeal fashion before we have held the necessary hearings is very counterproductive at this particular time.”