Mark Hatfield: “I must also recognize the program that generates the enthusiasm of the Constitution in these students, the We the People…”

“I must also recognize the program that generates the enthusiasm of the Constitution in these students, the We the People * * * The Citizen and the Constitution features an intensive curriculum, which provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the principles and values they embody. The program is designed to promote an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens of our constitutional democracy, and gathered around this particular focus have been more than 22 million students in this country who have participated in the program, at all levels, during the last 9 years--22 million. Developed and administered by the Los Angeles-based Center for Civic Education, the program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In discussing the We the People Program, I want to pay special tribute to my good friend, Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island. Senator Pell's commitment to education is unparalleled in this institution. He is the father of the We the People Program, and he has been actively involved in its activities since its inception. Senator Pell has been a mentor to me and to all of us over the years on the issue of education, as well as other issues. The Senate is going to miss his intellect and pragmatic approach to governing.”