As we now know, education does not begin in kindergarten. That is why the Head Start program is so important. In 2005, Head Start gave over 900,000 American children an early start on education. With my active support, this Congress passed legislation to ensure that a greater number of Head Start teachers are trained and educated in early childhood development. The Head Start program has received increases in funding of varying levels over the past two decades. The FY 2006 appropriation provides $6.8 billion for Head Start, an approximately $586 million increase since President Bush took office.

Head Start gets children on the right path, and President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act seeks to ensure that every child remains on the educational road to success. Through comprehensive teaching and testing, children will no longer be passed along to the next grade without being properly prepared for success. We must never give up on any child; they may learn at different rates, but every young student must be accounted for under the law.

Because every child is important, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), with my support, passed into law last year. IDEA provides billion of dollars in federal funding to assist states and local communities in providing free public education in the least restrictive environment for students with varying degrees of disabilities. The program has received three consecutive increases in funding, with special education grants being funded at the highest level in history, $12.2 billion in FY 2006.

In the same way that education no longer begins with kindergarten, education no longer ends with High School. College degrees are increasingly necessary for high paying jobs in the modern workforce. With the help of my colleagues, I have worked hard to ensure that everyone has access to a college education. Congress approved over $80 billion in FY 2006 for direct financial assistance to students. As part of this package, Congress allocated an all time high of approximately $13.7 billion for Pell Grants- financial aid awards made directly to college students.

With my support, the House passed the College Access and Opportunity Act, H.R. 609, in late March of 2006. This comprehensive reauthorization bill makes college accessible to more students. This bill facilitates the process of applying for financial aid and allows for a greater pool of applicants. The bill extends Pell Grants to students who study throughout the summer semesters. Furthermore, the bill strengthens teacher training and increases higher education opportunities for the military. The act also expands loan relief options for teachers, nurses and other professionals who are in fields of national need.

As higher education becomes increasingly important in the workforce, Congress must work to guarantee that our Colleges and Universities are accessible to everyone. I know that education is the key to success. I will continue to fight to improve the education of our children.

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