[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4211]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                            EVERYBODY WINS!

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, Everybody Wins! is an innovative literacy 
improvement program that pairs adults with children for one hour a week 
to share lunch, a good book and friendship. The U.S. Senate launched 
Everybody Wins! at the Brent Elementary School in 1995. Today, this 
program serves 4,500 children in the Washington area.
  Last night, I had the honor of attending a reception to celebrate the 
Everybody Wins! program. I was joined by my colleague Senator Jim 
Jeffords who I commend for his leadership in making the Everybody Wins! 
program such a success in the U.S. Senate, and Art Tannenbaum, the 
visionary behind this wonderful program.
  I was especially honored to join First Lady Laura Bush at last 
evening's event. Mrs. Bush's passion for reading and strong commitment 
to early literacy touched the lives of thousand of families in Texas, 
and it is clear from last night that she brings that same commitment to 
children all across the country.
  I was deeply moved by her remarks last night and her real passion for 
children and their needs, and I believe my colleagues would appreciate 
her thoughtful statement as well.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to print Mrs. Bush's remarks 
from last evening into the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

 First Lady Laura Bush's Remarks, Everybody Wins! Event, March 20, 2001

       Thank you very much, Dr. Billington.
       First I want to thank Lisa Vise.
       Lisa, you are a remarkable girl. You remind us that one 
     person's work can make a difference in a lot of other 
     people's lives.
       Senator Jeffords, Senator Kennedy, Mr. Chabraja, Mr. Cole, 
     Mr. Woodward, distinguished guests, I'm pleased to be with 
     you tonight.
       Everybody Wins is the largest children's literacy and 
     mentoring organization in the District because you understand 
     the value of spending quality time reading to children.
       I am fortunate because someone spent time reading to me as 
     a child--my mother. Thanks to her I developed a lifelong 
     passion for reading, and I grew up to become a teacher. As 
     much as I loved being read to as a child, I love reading to 
     children even more.
       The Everybody Wins volunteers will agree reading together 
     has tremendous results. Children who are read to by an adult 
     learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and 
     second, that they are worthwhile.
       Reading is the foundation of all learning. Children must 
     have good reading skills to succeed in every subject in 
     school. Those who do not read well by the end of the third 
     grade often have a difficult time catching up. Sadly, 
     thousands of children can't read well in America.
       According to a 1998 study, 68 percent of fourth-graders in 
     our nation's lowest-income schools were unable to read at 
     even a very basic level.
       We may grow numb to statistics, but we cannot grow numb to 
     our children. That so many children can't read is a clear 
     indication of a fundamental failure of adult responsibility 
     for children's lives and futures.
       I know we can turn those numbers around. With caring 
     Americans like you, we will turn those numbers around.
       George's defining commitment to children is a quality 
     education. His budget includes $5 billion over the next five 
     years for reading initiatives. Through his Reading First 
     program, he wants to give states and schools the funding and 
     tools to implement sound reading programs in Kindergarten 
     through second grade.
       While government does its part, it's up to us as parents 
     and citizens to help children read and succeed in life. 
     Children need more than a program; they need a voice. They 
     need strong role models to put loving arms around them and 
     read to them. You recognize that need. I'm proud you are 
     lending your voice and a hand to Everybody Wins.
       Please continue supporting this worthy endeavor. Because of 
     you, Everybody does win.
       Thanks to the Senators for demonstrating your commitment to 
     children and sharing your common love of reading. Reading is 
     common ground for all of us. Thank you all so much.

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