Last year’s elections brought to light significant concerns with electoral systems throughout our country.  Our nation’s democracy was founded on the idea of one person, one vote.  However, possessing the right to vote is not enough.  Every vote must be counted and access guaranteed.  I am pleased that the Help America Vote Act passed by the House this week takes a meaningful step toward election reform by providing for the replacement of all punch card voting systems as well as providing funds to support the recruitment and training of poll workers, to encourage voters to vote, and to establish accurate lists of registered voters.  This bill will help eliminate many of the problems seen in last year’s elections by requiring states to meet minimum federal election standards while leaving states the freedom to adopt further voluntary election standards.

Also this week, the House approved the final version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Authorization Act.  During my campaign, I made improving education a major priority.  I am pleased that this education reform legislation includes provisions to ensure greater accountability for our schools through annual testing in grades 3 through 8, to provide more and better-qualified teachers, and to fund school construction and after school programs.  This bill will make our schools stronger and our students better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.  I look forward to President Bush signing it into law very soon.