William L. Clay: “Unfortunately, the committee failed to do so. This restrictive rule that was reported now makes it necessary to defeat…”

“Unfortunately, the committee failed to do so. This restrictive rule that was reported now makes it necessary to defeat the previous question in order for our class size reduction amendment to even be considered. Our amendment would establish a 6-year authorization for the Clinton- Clay-Wu class size reduction initiative. This would build on the 1-year, $1.2 billion down payment on the initiative that was included in last year's Omnibus Appropriations Act. That funding, however, will only support the hiring of 30,000 teachers for the 1999-2000 school year. Now it is time, Mr. Speaker, to lock in the remainder of the funding so that school districts across America can count on receiving the full complement of 100,000 teachers needed to achieve the initiatives goal. Mr. Speaker, some critics, without evidence or documentation, continue to boisterously shout that the 30,000 teachers will be unqualified to teach. This is a sad commentary for those who prefer to build prisons than to build schools and to hire guards than to hire teachers.”