Kirk Watson: “President Clinton gave me the privilege to represent the American people as Ambassador to the Federated States of…”

“President Clinton gave me the privilege to represent the American people as Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. I have a deep respect for the Island nations, and I am pleased that we have passed the new compact legislation out of the House. Although most of the contentious issues in the compact have been addressed, the funding allocated for education concerns me. The RMI and FSM children have only just begun to benefit from the establishment of an integrated education system. I urge Congress to monitor education appropriations for the compact and stay intent on our obligations. In my former profession of teaching I have witnessed the impact of early structured education. Young students are much better equipped to enter the educational system when they are exposed to education at an early age. The educational funding that Chairman Regula has offered to support is critical to keep effective programs in place. I strongly support those provisions in this compact that provide for continued Pell Grant eligibility for the FAS. It will bolster the ability of the FAS to cultivate education. The elimination of Pell Grant assistance would have decimated the college system in the FAS altogether. A large portion of the operating funds for the College of Micronesia are obtained through Pell Grants.”