Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. We are not here in this body to reauthorize feel-good programs. We are gathered here tonight not to reauthorize a feel-good program but to authorize a program that works, that makes a difference. The evidence is clear. Students who participate in these programs, they do learn language skills. They also are more likely to graduate high school. They are more likely to have high academic achievement. They are more likely to be successful in their communities. That is what the data tells us. We cannot let up now. These programs are working in a variety of States and a variety of communities. If we want a robust and healthy Native American culture in this country, we need to have a healthy and robust Native American language environment in this country. The Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act is important, a critical component of that framework, of that environment. I ask my colleagues, I beseech them tonight, to reauthorize this program that is doing so much good throughout our country. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.”