    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 23, 1998]
    [Page 606]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Education Legislation
    April 23, 1998

        I am disappointed that Republicans in the United States Senate have
    passed up a major opportunity to improve public education in this
    country.
        Instead of investing in modern schools for the 21st century, the
    Senate chose to provide tax incentives skewed to high-income taxpayers.
    Instead of helping make classes smaller and improving student learning,
    the Senate chose to eliminate accountability by prohibiting voluntary
    national tests. Instead of giving kids new learning opportunities after
    school to keep them out of trouble, the Senate chose to undermine the
    critical safe and drug-free schools initiative. Instead of working to
    strengthen public education, the Coverdell bill returns us to the days
    when Republicans waged a campaign to eliminate the Department of
    Education.
        As I have said before, if this bill reaches my desk, I will veto it,
    because it weakens our commitment to making America's schools the best
    they can be in the 21st century.