Chuck Schumer: “I think this debate is one of the most important debates we will have on the floor of the Senate. It is the issue of…”

“I think this debate is one of the most important debates we will have on the floor of the Senate. It is the issue of education about which we probably need to do the most. America is in very good shape overall, but the greatest trouble spot on the horizon is the fact our educational system is not up to snuff. You can't be the No. 1 economy with the No. 15 educational system in the world. This debate presents two stark choices. The Republican bill, S. 2, basically revolves--and I use the word advisedly--around block grants, vouchers, and an alternative approach, which I am proud to have worked on with my colleagues on this side of the aisle. The block grant approach is a two-way street of folly. From the congressional standpoint, it is an abdication of responsibility. We send blank checks to the State and wash our hands of the educational crisis. Waste always accompanies block grants.”