T. Gorton: “this has been already a remarkably substantive debate, with, I think, a clear delineation of education philosophies on…”

“this has been already a remarkably substantive debate, with, I think, a clear delineation of education philosophies on each side. The nature of the debate and the degree of heat that accompanies it has, I think, obscured one overwhelmingly important factor; that is, without exception, the Members on either side of the aisle have genuinely desired to improve the education system of the United States and desire a Federal participation that enhances that growth and that improvement. This, of course, is a wonderful characteristic of the debate where we are debating means and not ends. As well, I hope, before the debate has concluded next week, or whenever we complete it, there will have been a reaching across the aisle that divides the two parties on proposals that do not unite everyone on both sides but at least will unite a sufficient number of Republicans and Democrats so that the last vote we take will be a vote on final passage of an education-related bill that can take the next step toward reaching the goals in which all Members join. That is not to underestimate the differences between us. I found the statement made by the Senator from Wisconsin to be particularly eloquent, even as I disagreed with almost all of its particulars.”