[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H5968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              E-RATE WEEK

  (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce E-Rate week. Today I join 
many Members of Congress in kicking off a week of discussion, 
information, and emphasis about the importance of the E-Rate program to 
our schools, our children, and our country. The E-Rate is designed to 
bring discounted Internet services to children in schools and libraries 
across America.
  In the world of tomorrow, technology and the Internet will be the 
tools essential to our Nation's workforce. Technical literacy will 
determine whether a person has a high-paying job or whether that person 
is frozen into a low-wage, low-opportunity profession.
  Currently, only a few wealthy school districts can afford this 
technology. The E-Rate ensures that needy schools receive discounted 
services so that every American child has an equal chance to succeed.
  Those who attack the E-Rate undercut the future of our children and 
of our country. Americans want to provide their children the skills and 
tools of the 21st Century. Through the E-Rate, this is one way we can 
accomplish this goal.

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