[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.