Political Quotes

“we have to do more. This measure establishes a funding level that is sufficient at best. In 1980, the last year this was an authorized and funded program under the original Elementary and Secondary Act, the program received $161 million. We are asking for about $200 million and, with inflation, that is barely what it was back in 1980. It is not a new program. It is a program that was initiated in 1965 and should be continued today. It is a program that I think is the common sense way to approach education reform. Give young people the chance to read up-to-date, modern books, to purchase modern media, to come in to the 20th century and prepare for the 21st century. I very strongly object to this amendment for the reasons I have outlined. We all want to tighten our belts, but I do not think we want to tighten them so hard and so fast that we cut off the blood to the brain and do something silly. And telling young people and librarians, schools across this country, that we will not help them buy library books so young people can read them, can develop the love of books that Jefferson had, is something terribly silly. I oppose this amendment and ask all Members to join me in such opposition.”