Political Quotes

“first, I wish to say that the thoughts I embrace in my amendment have been advanced in this Chamber by other colleagues over a number years. I particularly wish to recognize the Senator from Maine, Ms. Collins, and Senator Kyl, who have made similar efforts through the years. Therefore, I am very proud to have my name on this amendment. I assure you that there are many Senators, and, indeed, some on the other side, who have embraced this general concept that teachers need equal recognition to the emphasis that has been put thus far on the debate on students. My effort on this day, which is National Teachers Day--I think we have slowly worked through the system a resolution to that effect--is to recognize that many, many teachers across our Nation reach into their pockets and withdraw aftertax dollars and expend them for little things they observe in their daily teaching of students that are needed in the classroom. These teachers also have to constantly bring themselves up to speed on current events in education. Many of them have very burdensome financial commitments with student loans, and so forth. I think it is time the Congress recognize this profession.”