[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 63 (Thursday, May 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______


                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 1994

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, on May 12, 1994, due to an urgent meeting 
in my district, I unavoidably missed rollcall vote No. 170 on the 
conference report on S. 2000, the Human Services amendments of 1994. 
Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''
  S. 2000 reauthorizes the Head Start act, the Community Services Block 
Grant, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. I strongly 
support the conference report on S. 2000 which is the result of a 
collaboration of bipartisan and bicameral efforts. The Head Start act 
addresses many issues that have hindered this program over the decades 
since its inception in 1965.
  The Head Start act dramatically improves the quality standards and 
procedures for program monitoring. This bill provides for stronger 
training and technical assistance strategies. It also enhances the 
parental involvement component to address the changing needs of 
families today.
  In fiscal year 1994, Head Start is estimated to serve 750,000 
children. Unfortunately, after almost 30 years of existence, Head Start 
still only serves about one-third of poor children age 3 to 4. Head 
Start is an important base for low-income children and their families 
to build upon as they strive to overcome the innumerable barriers that 
lie before them.
  This bill seeks to better Head Start so that all its participants 
receive the best quality and most appropriate service possible. With 
such improvements, Head Start can continue to serve our Nation's poor 
into the 21st century.
  For this reason, I strongly support the conference report on S. 2000.

                          ____________________