[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E995-E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2000

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill. (H.R. 4577) 
     making appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and 
     Human Service, and Education, and related agencies for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the 
Ryan Amendment.
  21st Century Community Learning Centers in New York State alone would 
lose over $10 million dollars if this amendment is accepted--the 
children of New York need this program, their parents want this 
program, and their schools are begging for this program. We should do 
the right thing and invest in this program.
  Throughout the country, over 5 million school-age children are left 
unsupervised in the afternoon leaving them at great risk of being 
involved in crime or drug and alcohol abuse.
  Research shows that by providing engaging, academically rich 
activities, after-school programs help students to attain higher levels 
of achievement.
  After-school programs ensure higher interest in learning, lower drop-
out rates and less involvement in crime.
  Mr. Chairman, that is why I rise in strong opposition to the Ryan 
Amendment because this amendment would deny nearly 2.4 million at risk 
children an opportunity to get a better start in life.

[[Page E996]]



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