[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          NOMINATION FOR COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION STATISTICS

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the nomination of Robert Lerner to be 
Commissioner of Education Statistics in the Department of Education was 
approved today by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee 
despite concerns about this nominee's qualifications.
  The Commissioner of Statistics must conduct the activities of that 
office in a manner that is ``objective, secular, neutral and non-
ideological'' and ``free of partisan political influence and racial, 
cultural, general or regional bias.'' The Commissioner must also have 
``substantial knowledge'' of the programs assisted by the National 
Center for Education Statistics.
  Many of us feel that Dr. Lerner does not meet these requirements. He 
has clearly been an advocate for partisan ideological causes, and his 
advocacy does not seem to be compatible with a non-partisan role as 
Commissioner. His published writings raise questions about his ability 
to set aside his ideological views in dealing with statistical 
analysis.
  Previous nominees for this important position have come from academic 
backgrounds and with experience in dealing with statistical analysis. 
Dr. Lerner has no such experience or academic background.
  The Committee did not have a hearing on this important nomination and 
we did not have the opportunity to question Dr. Lerner regarding his 
qualifications and past advocacy. Unless we have an opportunity to 
resolve these concerns, I intend to oppose this nomination when it 
reaches the full Senate.

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