[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H2473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  1130
                   EDUCATION MUST BE OUR TOP PRIORITY

  (Ms. SLAUGHTER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
expressing our concern at the continued majority attacks on education. 
Education comprises a mere 2 percent of our entire budget, yet the new 
majority has disproportionately targeted it for drastic cuts.
  Without a doubt, education is the most important investment we can 
make in the future of our nation. Even with a balanced budget, our 
country cannot grow and prosper without an educated populace.
  The current Republican proposals would cut more than $3 billion in 
education, $300 million in education funding for New York State alone. 
In addition to facing these huge cuts, our schools are currently trying 
to piece together their budgets for next year--and are being forced to 
estimate their funding because of the budget stalemate here in 
Washington. We need to pass a long-term spending measure to ensure that 
education is protected.
  Balancing our budget forces us to make a list of our priorities. Our 
future is at risk. Education must be at the top of that list.

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