    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 11, 2001]
    [Page 1505]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Congressional Conference Agreement on Education Reform
    Legislation
    December 11, 2001

        The education of every child in America must always be a top
    priority. I commend the conferees for agreeing on a series of profound
    reforms to help provide our children the best education possible. I also
    thank the bipartisan leadership of the conference chair, Congressmen
    Boehner, as well as Senators
    Kennedy and Gregg
    and Congressman Miller, for taking major steps
    toward improving education throughout our country.
        The conference agreement will ensure that no child in America is
    left behind, through historic education reforms based on real
    accountability, unprecedented flexibility for States and school
    districts, greater local control, more options for parents, and more
    funding for what works. I urge Members of the House and Senate to act
    soon and send me this legislation so that States and school districts
    can begin implementing these important reforms.