Patty Murray

The Federal requirements that are in place have been so important in producing the kind of high-school and career-ready graduation rates

We do believe that every student should have access to a quality public education regardless of where they live.

Thank you very much, Chairman Alexander, for holding this hearing today.

Since No Child Left Behind passed back in 2001, we have seen achievement gaps narrow for black and Latino students in both reading and math

The Federal Government's mandated requirements under ESEA, under No Child Left Behind, indeed, have helped to push greater accountability

We know we can win this, and we know that we have to for students back in my home State of Washington.

We can't turn our back in the process on measuring students' progress or simply let schools and States off the hook for failing to provide a quality education to all of their students.

I would just say that there is tremendous interest on our side of the aisle in fixing the No Child Left Behind law to really make sure that in this country we really do make sure that every child, no matter where they live or who their…

I want to start just by acknowledging our former chair, Senator Tom Harkin, and commend his many years of service.

I have been committed to making sure that every child, every child, has someone fighting for them and their future.

I especially want to thank all of our witnesses who are here with us.

Fixing No Child Left Behind should not be a partisan issue.

It would be irresponsible to spend billions in Federal taxpayer dollars without knowing if the law is making a difference in student lives.

Over the last 30 years, independent studies have pointed to Yucca Mountain as the nation's best option for a nuclear repository for high-level waste.

I really appreciate you scheduling this hearing so quickly so that we can process this critical nomination expeditiously.

I think that it will go a long way in making sure that they know what they need to do when they get home.

This is really concerning to me; it is something that I will be following very closely as well.

But we just passed this bill saying anybody outside the 40 miles can go to a provider.

We are focused on the VA today, as we should be, on the issue of suicides.

Just one suicide, just one veteran in crisis, or just one family struggling to make it through is just one too much.

We cannot have someone call to get an appointment and be told that they can get one in 5 weeks when they have a problem.

We all know when our men and women in uniform have the courage to come forward and ask for help, the VA has to be there not only with high quality and timely care, but the right type of care to best meet the veterans' needs.

There really is no issue as pressing as providing quality, timely mental health care and suicide prevention programs to our Nation's heroes.

I appreciate that response, but I think we also have to look at whether or not the VAs are meeting women's specific needs.

I thank Senator Mikulski for that important clarification. The intent of the bill as she describes it will greatly improve homeless children's access to childcare. I appreciate the Senator's dedication to this legislation, which helps…