[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DO AMERICANS WANT MORE BUREAUCRACY OR MORE FREEDOM FOR EDUCATION AT THE 
                              LOCAL LEVEL?

  (Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we have been having an 
ongoing educational debate here in Congress, in the 105th Congress. 
There are several issues that have come out that I want to share today.
  Seven percent of the money for education comes from the Federal 
Government, yet 70 percent of the paperwork and red tape come from the 
Federal Government. We have discussed special education, vocational 
education, choice, charter schools, literacy.
  The Democrats have worked for more money, more Federal control, more 
bureaucracy, which equals more taxes. The Republicans have fought for 
90 percent to go to the classroom, which has normally been about 70 
percent; for local control, allowing the community and parents to 
choose. Federal control means Federal bureaucracy and will not be in 
the best interests of our students.
  Today I ask the American public, which do they want, more 
bureaucracy, or more freedom for education at the local level?

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