The first few years of our children's lives are the most crucial and have a tremendous impact on who they are and what they will become in life. I am committed to giving our children the tools they need early in life to become successful members of our society.

At this point there is no formal proposal by the Administration or Congress to place Head Start under the control of the state. A major part of President Bush's "Good Start, Grow Smart Early Childhood Initiative" does include a stronger Federal-State partnership in quality early childhood programs. This new approach will ask States to develop voluntary guidelines on pre-reading and language skills activities that align with State K-12 standards. To help States meet these criteria, they will have more flexibility with their Federal childcare funds.

I do support greater cooperation between the federal, state and local governments. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure that Head Start receives the support it needs and continues to be a productive program for very young Americans. Having followed Head Start closely through the Appropriations process, I see it as one of the most important and successful functions of the federal education system.