Political Quotes

“I rise this morning to call on Congress to fully fund the President's No Child Left Behind for school reform. Last Congress we passed legislation to create tough new standards our schools must meet and vigorous assessments to measure progress in meeting those standards. As a former superintendent of North Carolina schools, I voted for this bill because my State has led the Nation in standard-based reform, and the administration promised historic new funding to make the bill work, but the administration has broken that promise. This year's budget request shortchanges No Child Left Behind by $9.7 billion; and over the first 3 years of the new law, the administration is proposing nearly $20 billion in cuts to No Child Left Behind. Mr. Speaker, a promise is a promise and a deal is a deal, and Congress must hold the administration accountable for its commitments. I am working with others to help make sure No Child Left Behind is fully funded before the tough new requirements take effect. If the White House is going to talk the talk, Congress had better make sure that they walk the walk. I urge Members to join me in this vital effort to do right by our schools and our children.”