James M. Jeffords: “First of all, this bill is a very simple bill to help the Governors have flexibility--the States to have flexibility to…”

“First of all, this bill is a very simple bill to help the Governors have flexibility--the States to have flexibility to maximize the utilization of title I funds, in particular. I don't think anybody disagrees with it. What I have set out as a policy for me, working with the leader, is that this bill ought not to be encumbered by matters which are under the jurisdiction of the committee which should be considered separately and after due hearing and after all of the elements of the legislation are considered. The amendment of the Senator from Washington really shortcuts that. Now, I agree that is an existing piece of legislation which needs some improvement. However, it does not fall out from the jurisdiction of the committee. On the other hand, with an appropriate amendment, I will endorse it. So I don't understand the concern of my partners on the other side of the aisle. We have an offer which will be before the Senate, and this side can endorse her amendment with the modification that is in that amendment. What that modification does is say, all right, let's reach a compromise here. The compromise would be, very simply, let the local governments decide whether they want to use the money which was appropriated but not quite available; they should have the local option. If they want to spend it on more teachers, additional teachers, they should have that option.”