Jeff Bingaman: “I have devoted considerable time and effort to the National Education Goals Panel and I appreciate Senator Gorton's…”

“I have devoted considerable time and effort to the National Education Goals Panel and I appreciate Senator Gorton's understanding of my concerns about the role of that Panel and especially about preserving the national character of the Panel and its work. In adopting this amendment we are expressing displeasure with the current version of the national history standards, but we are also saying two very important things: First, that the U.S. Senate is not interfering with the National Education Goals Panel doing its work and performing its duties under the law; and Second, that the U.S. Senate is not interfering with the appointment of the work of the National Education Standards and Improvement Council or the performance its duties under the law. I think these are important points to make as we take this action.”