[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IMPROVING EDUCATION SHOULD BE OUR TOP PRIORITY

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we have no more 
sacred responsibility than to devote our full collective energy to 
improving education all across this Nation. For starters, we need to 
commit today to the highest possible academic standards for our 
children. Today students will be entering a highly competitive work 
force that will demand greater knowledge and skills. High educational 
standards are the key to preparing our children for the global economy 
of the 21st century.
  Second, we need to begin rebuilding our crumbling schools. A recent 
GAO report has found that one-third of American schools need extensive 
repair. Our children deserve to attend class in an environment that is 
conducive to real learning. Finally, we, as a Congress, must commit to 
the cause of reducing overcrowding in schools.
  A new Department of Education report found that 52 million children 
have enrolled in schools this fall, threatening to make the problem of 
overcrowding a national crisis. We should do all we can to help local 
school districts deal with this challenging issue. Democrats will 
continue to make education our top legislative priority.
  I call on my Republican colleagues, I plead with them to stop the 
obstructionism, to join with us in our efforts. Let us put our kids 
first.

                          ____________________