William L. Clay: “I rise in opposition to Mr. Armey's DC voucher amendment because it will do absolutely nothing to improve the quality of…”

“I rise in opposition to Mr. Armey's DC voucher amendment because it will do absolutely nothing to improve the quality of the educational opportunities in the District of Columbia. What this amendment will do, however, is, for the second time this year, allow the Republicans to trumpet one of the baseless partisan political themes. Everyone here knows that federally funded school vouchers are not going to become law in the District of Columbia, or anywhere else for that matter. The President vetoed a DC voucher bill that was presented to him earlier this year. No doubt, he will veto DC vouchers again. I oppose vouchers because they would channel public tax dollars to private and religious schools. That's ridiculous to do when budgetary pressures make it hard enough to adequately fund our public schools. In addition, we should not undermine the position of the very local officials principally responsible for the education of District students. The Mayor, city council, school board, and control board have all said 'no' to vouchers. Let's say 'no' too. Defeat the Armey voucher amendment.”