Walter B. Jones: “despite large increases in Federal spending, test scores for students in the United States continue to fall. In fact…”

“despite large increases in Federal spending, test scores for students in the United States continue to fall. In fact, according to a recent study, United States students scored far below Japanese and British students in all subjects for which there were comparisons. In some subjects, Japanese students came very close to doubling scores of United States students. So, what is the President's answer to this problem? More spending and more programs. This is not the answer. Last week, Chairman Goodling held a press conference to discuss his committee's finding that there are 760 Federal education programs scattered throughout 39 separate departments, agencies, and commissions. This web of Federal programs costs over $120 billion per year to educate citizens on everything from the disposal of boat sewage to citizenship. Each of these programs has its own application process, and each requires large amounts of staff time to administer--on the Federal, State, and local levels. Money spent on redundant programs is money not spent on our children. This must change.”