[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

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                               speech of

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to add my voice of 
support to the Head Start program. As you know, since the program began 
more than 40 years ago, it has served millions of low-income children 
and their families across the United States.
  Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit Head Start 
centers across Missouri's 4th Congressional District, which I have the 
honor to represent in Congress. I am always impressed by the dedicated 
staff who do so many good things to help prepare the children for their 
school careers. Every child in America has the right to a good start in 
life. It can make all the difference in their future. By partnering 
with parents to promote early childhood development, which is so 
critical, Head Start helps make sure that those futures are not 
jeopardized on the basis of a family's income.
  This year, I have continued my strong support for Head Start funding 
and will work with my colleagues in the days ahead to see that this 
vital program's future is secure. Children truly are the hope of our 
Nation. They will be the leaders of tomorrow, and we owe it to them to 
see they have every opportunity to succeed.

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