    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 5, 2001]
    [Pages 827-828]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Departure for Kennebunkport, Maine, and an Exchange With
    Reporters
    July 5, 2001

    Education Reform Legislation

        The President. Thank you very much. Looking forward to spending the
    weekend with my family. I know Congress is spending weekends with their
    families, as well. And when they come back, there's going to be a lot of
    work to do, and there's nothing more important than getting the
    education bill to my desk.
        I urge Congress to come back to work hard to reconciling differences
    that may exist between the House and the Senate bill and to get a bill
    to my desk quickly. It's important to do so. All you've got to do is ask
    the Governors and superintendents and local officials standing behind
    me.
        These good folks have come to Washington to urge me to urge Congress
    to get

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    the people's business done, because they've got plans to make for the
    public schoolchildren of America. Behind me are three Governors and
    superintendents from around the country, education leaders who know full
    well what is required to plan an education year. And if the rules are to
    be changed--and I hope they are in a constructive way--Congress must act
    quickly so people at the local level can plan.
        Our bill out of the House and the Senate passed with large
    majorities and bipartisan support. There's no reason to delay. The
    Secretary of Education joins me in urging the Congress to act. And I'm
    confident if the will is there, we can resolve any differences and get
    the bill to my desk.
        This is a good bill. It's a good piece of legislation because it
    aligns authority and responsibility at the local level, because it
    believes in setting high standards. It challenges the soft bigotry of
    low expectations, and its cornerstone is strong accountability measures
    so that we can make sure not one single child gets left behind in
    America.
        So I wish the Members of Congress a great weekend, but I remind them
    the people's work's ahead.
        Thank you all for coming.

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

        Q. Mr. President, do you feel there needs to be a change in the
    culture at the FBI?
        The President. Have a great weekend.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:45 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.