A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Statement of Richard W. Riley U.S. Secretary of Education On Passage by the House of the Appropriations Bill Cutting $3.9 billion from Education Friday, August 4, 1995

The House action is a giant step backward for our nation. It undermines the economic well-being of every American. It shatters the hopes and dreams of middle class and working families, and it sets our children on the road to second-rate futures.

At a time when college enrollments are at an all-time high because students understand the link between education and personal success, this legislation slams the door on access to college. And, at a time when violence is number one in the minds of most Americans, the House is slashing support for the schools that help teach our children to be good citizens and build the kind of character and discipline that creates law-abiding citizens who are contributing members of their communities.

It is only a matter of time before these cuts begin to erode the quality of education in every school and community in this nation. The American people, who in poll after poll have voiced their strong support for wise investments in education, will be mystified by the House action.

There is simply no rational reason why we would want to cut support for education. It is the one thing that, more than anything else, creates the training and economic growth that will help us succeed individually and as a nation and ultimately close the budget gap.