[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H4745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               EDUCATION

  (Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our 
Nation's children. Our children are being denied basic educational 
opportunities.
  As a former teacher, I know one of the most important challenges 
facing this country is improving our educational system. We need to 
expand opportunities, set rigorous standards so our children learn the 
basics before being promoted to the next grade. This is crucial to our 
country's social and economic well-being.
  A talented and dedicated teacher must be in every classroom. 
Creativity and innovation in public education must be encouraged, while 
still holding them accountable for results. Every classroom and library 
should be connected to the Internet so all students can be computer 
literate and be prepared for the 21st century.
  Finally, we need to make sure our schools are healthy places to 
learn. Next week I intend to introduce legislation to improve air 
quality in our Nation's school buildings based on an existing 
Environmental Protection Agency program. Our children must have a 
healthy learning environment.
  Let us make the commitment not only to our children but also to the 
future of this great Nation, and make education our number one 
priority.

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