[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          INVEST IN EDUCATION

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, as we review all options for reducing 
Federal expenditures, I am very much of the mind that we should not 
reduce Federal education assistance. In my opinion, education is an 
investment in our people and in the future strength and health of our 
Nation. This is particularly true for programs that are targeted to 
enhance the educational opportunities of those citizens who need our 
help the most.
  It is without doubt that every aspect of our lives depends upon a 
well-educated citizenry. I fear that cutbacks in Federal education aid 
diminish achieving that goal, and weaken our ability to retain our 
leadership in the world marketplace.
  As we debate this rescission bill, however, it is also important that 
we keep things in perspective. While I regret some of the cutbacks that 
are part of the package under consideration, it is only fair that we 
acknowledge that the legislation before us is far better than that so 
recently approved by the House. In education, for example, the cutbacks 
are a full $1 billion less than those in the House bill.
  In many areas, there is very good news. There are, for example, no 
cuts in student aid, no reduction in Pell grants, no cutbacks in 
campus-based aid, and no curtailment of funding for the SSIG Program.
  Aid for the vitally important Dropout Prevention Program is 
continued. Cutbacks in safe and drug-free schools are a full 80 percent 
less than those in the House-passed bill. There are few, if any, 
cutbacks in literacy programs that reach out to help those in need of 
these services. Cuts in library services and construction are very 
small. And, funds are provided for a new and very important program of 
aid in civics and economic education exchanges with the emerging 
democracies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
  Thus, while I may have differences on some of the cutbacks contained 
in this legislation, I find I can support a majority of the provisions 
with considerable enthusiasm. I believe we must look carefully at the 
details of this bill. While some provisions could be improved, most are 
quite encouraging. I want, therefore, to commend Chairman Hatfield, the 
members of the Appropriations Committee, and especially their staff for 
the very long, hard, and thoughtful work they have put into this 
legislation.


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