Arlen Specter: “I have. And I say to the Senator that the bill before us provides funding for a number of programs that are consistent…”

“I have. And I say to the Senator that the bill before us provides funding for a number of programs that are consistent with the academy's report. One such program I know my colleague is familiar with is the Mathematics and Science Partnership, MSP, program that provides grants to improve basic student performance in math and science through a variety of programs and activities. Many of the program's allowable activities, like summer institutes for teacher training, are specific activities the National Academy recommends we pursue in order to enhance our children's development in science and math. The committee has provided a total of $178.5 million for mathematics and science programs in fiscal year 2006. The House-passed bill includes $190 million for this program. We are, of course, working under a tight budget with this bill, but I want my colleague to know that as we move to conference, I will work to ensure this program, and other similar math and science programs receive the highest possible amount of funding.”