Patty Murray: “Mr. President, I have come to the floor today to clarify the President's important--and authorized role--in fighting for…”

“Mr. President, I have come to the floor today to clarify the President's important--and authorized role--in fighting for smaller classes. I have also come to the floor to remind my colleagues that this year we have smaller class sizes--where discipline has been restored and kids can learn the basics--because last year Congress made a bipartisan agreement--and a bipartisan commitment--to hire 100,000 new teachers in order to reduce size in first, second, and third grades. Today, as the budget process winds down, I want to make sure that our agreement is not pushed aside. Let me remind my colleagues that the President does have the authority in the Constitution to register his opinion on whether or not the budget is acceptable. In fact, the President doesn't just have the authority, but he has the responsibility under Article I, Section 7 to return bills with his objections that he does not approve of. And I'm glad the President has that authority and that he will use it if this Congress doesn't guarantee class size reductions. And 38 Senators signed a letter saying we would stand behind his threatened veto because we agree class size reduction is critical.”