[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 2 (Thursday, January 9, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    BIPARTISAN SUPPORT ESSENTIAL FOR COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION REFORM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Tennessee is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, today, January 9, is a monumental day for 
postsecondary education. Just a few hours ago President Clinton 
announced that the college loan default rate has fallen to a 7-year low 
which translates into lower interest rates and more loans for young 
people. From a high of 22.4 percent in 1990 the default rate has 
dropped to approximately 10\1/2\ percent, and I applaud the Clinton 
administration for its efforts to improve the collection of defaulted 
loans and to prevent loans from falling into default status.
  The Department of Education has done a sensational job in counseling 
students about their loan responsibilities and helping to create more 
flexible payment options for young people. A spokesman for the American 
Council on Education, an association representing colleges and 
universities, stated, ``This administration has tightened up on 
weaknesses in the system, and defaults are down.''
  I agree, Mr. Speaker, with my colleagues who suggest we need to 
reform our educational system. However, I disagree with those who call 
for the abolition of the Department of Education. To the contrary, we 
need to expand the role of the Federal Government with respect to 
education and educational funding.
  Recently, the Department of Education released Pursuing Excellence: A 
Study of Eighth Grade Mathematics and Science Teaching, Learning, 
Curriculum and Achievement in International Context. The results were 
not surprising. Although the United States is making progress compared 
to our major economic and political allies, Mr. Speaker, we must do 
much more. We must and can do so much for our children.
  Instead of focusing entirely on punishing and sentencing young 
people, we should be searching for ways to challenge and propel people 
into the 21st century equipped with the tools to keep America 
competitive and make these young people viable holders of jobs in the 
marketplace.
  As a new Member of Congress I intend to reach out to all of my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle, particularly those in my own 
class. I was heartened yesterday, Mr. Speaker, by an encounter that I 
had with my new friend, the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Granger]. 
Strong bipartisan support is essential for any dynamic and 
comprehensive educational reform package to gain the support of the 
American people.
  The investment in America that will generate the largest yield is an 
investment in America's potential. That is the education of our youth. 
As I stated earlier, this investment effort must be driven by 
bipartisanship and common sense rather than partisan ideology which 
lacks both a vision and a mandate.
  I was pleased to see the Speaker both contrite and repentant in his 
view of the work facing the 105th Congress. The circumstances 
surrounding his election and the will of the American people 
necessitate our building together for the best interests, working 
together for the best interests of the future of America.

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