    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [April 12, 2007]
    [Pages 410-411]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting on the No Child Left Behind Act
    Reauthorization
    April 12, 2007

        I have just had what I consider to be not only a fascinating meeting
    but an important meeting about the No Child Left Behind Act with leaders
    of the civil rights movement, education leaders from around our country,
    business leaders who are concerned about America's competitiveness.
        There is a universal belief that the No Child Left Behind Act needs
    to be reauthorized, and I want to thank you all for working with us to
    get this piece of legislation reauthorized.
        I believe the No Child Left Behind Act needs to be reauthorized
    because it's working. It's a piece of legislation which believes in
    setting high standards and using accountability to make sure that every
    single child gets a good education. I strongly support the notion that
    when we find a child falling behind that there ought to be extra Federal
    help so that child can catch back up early, before it's too late.
        I strongly condemn an achievement gap that exists in this country.
    It's a gap between Anglo students and Latino students or white students
    and black students, and it's not in our country's interest to allow an
    education system to continue to foster that difference in achievement.
    The No Child Left Behind Act is beginning to close that gap. It's the
    impetus necessary to cause the reforms, curriculum changes necessary to
    make sure every child has a chance of realizing the great hopes of our
    country.
        Reauthorizing No Child Left Behind Act is an important statement, an
    important move; it's an important piece of legislation necessary to keep
    this country not only competitive but also a country of great

    [[Page 411]]

    hope. And so I want to thank you all for joining us.
        I also want to comment on today's bombing of the Iraqi Parliament.
    First of all, I strongly condemn the action. It reminds us, though, that
    there is an enemy willing to bomb innocent people in a symbol of
    democracy. In other words, this assembly is a place where people have
    come to represent the 12 million people who voted. And there is a type
    of person that would walk in that building and kill innocent life, and
    that is the same type of person that is willing to come and kill
    innocent Americans. And it is in our interest to help this young
    democracy be in a position so it can sustain itself and govern itself
    and defend itself against these extremists and radicals.
        Our hearts go out to those who suffered as a result of this bombing.
    My message to the Iraqi Government is: We stand with you as you take the
    steps necessary to not only reconcile politically but also put a
    security force in place that is able to deal with, you know, these kinds
    of people.
        Thank you all for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:53 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House.