[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ONLY PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ENSURES A GOOD EDUCATION FOR EVERY AMERICAN 
                                 CHILD

  (Mr. JONES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, recently President Clinton vetoed the 
Education Savings Account Bill. In a letter to the House, he justified 
his action by calling the bill's provisions ``bad education policy and 
bad tax policy.''
  Madam Speaker, how ironic. Americans have made it clear that parental 
involvement is essential to ensure our children receive a good 
education. Yet our President just vetoed a bill that would have 
extended tax relief to families who take part in the education of our 
Nation's children.
  The Education Savings Account Bill would have offered parents the 
opportunity to save money in accounts that earn tax-free interest to 
pay for tuition, books and tools to help their children learn. It seems 
to me, by the President's veto, that he thinks parents and families do 
not deserve the right to take part in the education of their children.
  Madam Speaker, the President is wrong. Only when we allow parental 
involvement can we ensure a good education is within the reach of every 
child in America.

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