[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H2555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EDUCATION IN AMERICA

  (Mr. RUSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 50th anniversary of Brown 
v. Board of Education, it is crucial that we examine the progress 
America's public school systems have made.
  It seems to me although we live in different times, many fundamental 
challenges still remain. I, along with my Democratic colleagues, 
believe education is vital for students, parents and for our country. 
America needs strong leadership in education, one that will make up for 
50 years of broken promises and unfinished business. Broken promises, 
such as the President's failure to increase funding for schools that 
remain $9 billion short, broken promises such as the President's 
failure to increase Pell grants for our college students while Pell 
grants remain the same for a third year in a row.
  Mr. Speaker, when it comes to education, the President shows up for 
photo-ops, he stands next to children and to teachers for a picture, 
but he does not show up nor does he stand up with them when it comes to 
improving schools in our Nation.
  It is time for the President to be held accountable for promises made 
and promises broken. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Brown v. 
Board of Education, it is time to stop leaving millions of our children 
behind.

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