REMARKS BY SECRETARY PAIGE AT SIGNING OF NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001
FOR RELEASE:
January 8, 2002
Contact: Dan Langan
(202) 401-1576
As we gather here this morning in Hamilton, we are about 15 miles down the road from Oxford, home of the McGuffey's Reader. More than a hundred million Americans have learned to read from that classic collection of literature and poetry and scripture. The publication of the first McGuffey's Reader in 1836 was a landmark in American education, and today, thanks to the vision of President Bush and the bipartisan leadership of Congressman Boehner, we celebrate another landmark.
When President Bush signs the No Child Left Behind Act into law in just a few moments, he will not only complete a year of patient and persistent work, he will also begin a new era of improved student performance. No Child Left Behind makes history in American education and builds futures for America's students.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, John Boehner worked heroically to improve America's schools. He was particularly concerned to restore local control of schools to the parents of Ohio and America, and the No Child Left Behind Act will do that.
Congressman Boehner promoted local control and fought hard to make sure that decisions about Hamilton's schools were made in Hamilton and decisions about Ohio's schools were made in Ohio. From now on, parents and community leaders can help repair the system instead of resenting it.
John championed the President's principles of reform brilliantly in the House. He was critical as the leader of the House committee that approved the bill, and even more critical as chairman of the conference committee, guiding the committee through many dark moments, renewing its energy after September 11, and surmounting obstacles that seemed intractable.
Best of all, he has become a good friend and respected colleague as we worked together this year to deliver an historic education bill for America's students. He will continue to be a friend and partner to the Department of Education as we implement the reforms of No Child Left Behind.
It is a pleasure to introduce your congressman, John Boehner.
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