A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Contact:
Julie Green
(202) 401-3026

STATEMENT BY U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD W. RILEY
On House Vote on H. Con. Res. 68, the FY 2000 Budget Resolution

I am deeply disappointed by the House vote yesterday on the FY2000 budget resolution. This budget plan does not make the needed investments in education that are essential for our children's success in the 21st century. Instead, this budget plan falls $2.9 billion below President Clinton's FY 2000 budget proposal for education and training and would cut critical funding for programs that reduce class size, expand after-school programs, provide extra resources for disadvantaged children, and help students prepare and pay for college. While the Majority claims to recognize the importance of education, the actions in this budget plan send a different message. I will continue to work with Congress to ensure that the FY2000 budget invests in education by addressing critical national needs, targeting resources where they are most needed, and holding states and school districts accountable for results. Our nation's schools and students deserve nothing less.