SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT BUSH ON NCLB

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health,Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in responseto President Bush’s remarks on reauthorizing No Child Left Behind. “Today President Bush called on Congress to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Actand not to turn back the clock on educational excellence. Unfortunately, thisAdministration has dropped the ball on education reform by shortchanging this law to thetune of $56 billion since its enactment. This Democratic Congress has made education atop priority. We know that schools have faced challenges in implementing the law, andin Congress we’re working to provide the solutions and the resources needed to ensurethat students and schools can succeed. We won’t water down the commitment toensuring that all students – black, white, rich or poor – reach high standards.” ###