[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H. CON. RES. 584: TO DESIGNATE THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
   EDUCATION IN WASHINGTON, DC, AS THE LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON FEDERAL 
                                BUILDING

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, throughout his tenure as 
President and during his life in general, President Lyndon Baines 
Johnson held firm to his belief that education was an essential part of 
the American dream. In particular, he championed the right to quality 
education for minorities in public schools that were challenged by 
merit, limited funding, and poor resources. It is fitting that this 
building bear his name given his central role in passing landmark 
education legislation.
  During his term as President, LBJ signed into law the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965. For the first time, this act allocated 
large amounts of Federal money to public schools, targeting assistance 
to disadvantaged children in rural and urban areas. In addition, this 
bill allowed for the first time, private schools, mostly Catholic 
schools in urban areas, to receive funding and support.
  Johnson's second major education achievement was the Higher Education 
Act of 1965. Again, this bill incorporated the needs of low-income 
students via grants, the work-study program, and government loans. 
These are just a small sample of the great accomplishments of President 
Johnson, a leader who took the steps necessary to make education a top 
priority for the country, a goal to which we continue to strive today. 
I salute his great contribution to education. I am proud to see that 
the headquarters of the Department of Education in Washington, DC, will 
be commemorated as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal Building in honor 
of our 37th President.

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