[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2210) to 
     authorize the Head Start Act to improve the school readiness 
     of disadvantaged children, and for other purposes:

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2210, 
the Majority's plan to reauthorize the Head Start program. While this 
bill makes a number of bipartisan improvements to the program, I am 
gravely concerned that the block grant pilot project included in this 
plan is the first step toward dismantling the successful Head Start 
program that we know today.
  Over the last few months, I have traveled throughout North Dakota and 
heard compelling stories from Head Start teachers, volunteers and 
parents attesting to the success of this program in my state. More than 
just teaching children valuable early literacy skills, the program also 
encourages self-confidence, spontaneity, curiosity and self-discipline 
in its young pupils. In addition, Head Start recognizes the important 
role of parents and families in a child's empowerment by focusing on 
the educational, vocational and material needs of the entire family. 
While these aspects of the program are not easily quantified, they 
greatly enhance future learning potential, as well as overall 
development.
  The plan before us today gravely endangers these comprehensive 
services that are--in my view--key to Head Start's success. Block 
granting Head Start to the states would result in a patchwork of 
untested state preschool programs across the country, many of which may 
lower educational standards, minimize comprehensive services, and 
provide less oversight and accountability. As it stands now, there is 
not a single state preschool program in the country that provides 
comprehensive services in accordance with Head Start standards. Equally 
alarming, states that are struggling with their own budget crises right 
now may be tempted to divert scarce Head Start dollars toward other 
programs once placed in their hands.
  Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that we have a real opportunity with this 
reauthorization process to effect some positive changes for this 
exceptional program. We should concentrate on proposals that improve 
and build upon this tried-and-true program--like increasing access or 
enhancing teacher qualifications. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
taking steps to ensure the integrity of this program as the 
reauthorization process moves forward.

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