James M. Jeffords: “I am reluctant to oppose this amendment because I have such great empathy and sympathy for the problem, and, because I…”

“I am reluctant to oppose this amendment because I have such great empathy and sympathy for the problem, and, because I respect the Senator from New Mexico a great deal. We have worked together on so many programs and problems over the years, and we will continue to do so. And I respect his judgment. However, to address this issue at this time is not appropriate. This is a program already in existence, though obviously, not working well. The program is within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. I am dedicated to working closely with the Senator from New Mexico to find out how and what we should do to amend existing programs in order to have better dropout programs. So I hope he would understand that, and that by opposing this amendment, which I will move to table eventually, I am not doing anything other than saying wait--wait until we go through the reauthorization of the ESEA this year. We are going to hold hearings and make sure we do the best thing possible to solve the dropout problem. Right now, I cannot accept this amendment. I retain the remainder of my time.”