Jeff Bingaman: “this Higher Education Act that we are engaged in discussing and debating here is a very important act. We only get…”

“this Higher Education Act that we are engaged in discussing and debating here is a very important act. We only get around to it every 6 years, so this is not a subject like a lot of subjects around here that come up every year and we go through a dog and pony show here on the Senate floor. This issue comes up once every 6 years. The last time we reauthorized the Higher Education Act was in 1992. The next time we are expected to reauthorize the Higher Education Act will be 2004. So it is important that we get it right and do it right this year. I join with others who have spoken in congratulating Senator Jeffords and Senator Kennedy for the leadership they have provided. We have a bipartisan bill. There are a number of incentives in this bill to streamline and strengthen the ways in which we deal with the issue of higher education in the country and the ways that we license and place teachers, including several provisions that I have recommended. But there is some unfinished business, Mr. President, and that is what my amendment tries to address.”