Political Quotes

“I rise reluctantly but necessarily in opposition to the Miller-Kildee amendment. I believe that this amendment would be a killer amendment and would underscore, unfortunately, the loss of this great Ed-Flex legislation. The President has suggested that he supports Ed-Flex. The 50 governors have suggested they support Ed-Flex. I think we should not mix apples and oranges on this occasion. Frankly, there are going to be many opportunities for those of us who want to see education and the fixing of what I believe is the despair in our schools, fixing of the problems in our schools. We are going to be dealing with the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act, and I think, at that time, we have a great opportunity to stand up for smaller class, to stand up for construction and doing away with some of the overcrowded conditions, to stand up for voluntary testing. I happen to support all of those worthy goals because I believe there is no greater issue, no greater issue facing the American people and us as problem solvers, as legislators, than making sure that our children are adequately prepared for the 21st Century. Our praise in the world depend on adequate education for our children. Unfortunately, our schools are in disrepair and despair.”