[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP CONTINUES ATTACK ON PUBLIC EDUCATION

  (Ms. DeLauro asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, education has always been the great 
equalizer in this Nation. It opens the doors of opportunity and 
provides every American child with the opportunity to live up to his or 
her potential. It is the public schools in this Nation where students 
of all economic levels, races, and creeds come together in one 
classroom to develop the skills that they are going to need for a 
successful future.
  The right wing of the Republican Party has never believed in American 
public schools. Former Republican Presidential candidate Pat Robertson 
said straight out in 1994, and I quote, ``abolish the public schools.''
  Today, the Republican leadership is continuing their attack on public 
education by advocating a radical experiment that would take precious 
taxpayer dollars out of our public schools and into private schools.
  I have a message for the Republican leadership: Our children are not 
your guinea pigs. We need to support and strengthen our public schools, 
not siphon off precious funds. Stand up for public education. Reject 
the Gingrich voucher plan.

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