On the recordJuly 7, 2015
let me just state that this legislation before us is of vital national importance, and I would like to commend Chairman Alexander and Senator Murray for their commitment to an open and inclusive debate. They and their staffs have been unfailingly responsive, helpful, and thoughtful throughout the process. I was a long-standing member of the education committee, having served on the Education and Labor Committee in the other body, and on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for 14 years in this body. And I have had the privilege of working with my colleagues over the last two reauthorizations of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. So, again, I must commend Senators Alexander and Murray for the extraordinary work they have done and also my colleague Senator Whitehouse, who has been a major contributor to this effort. I am hopeful and confident, because of the leadership of Senators Alexander and Murray, that we will reach a strong bipartisan outcome on this very important piece of legislation. I appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with the committee on issues that are very important.…