Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill starts us on a real measurable track to full funding of IDEA. Again, I wish to thank my chairman and my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), for bringing this bill to the floor and to the children of this country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Martinez).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling) in supporting H.R. 4055. I want to commend the gentleman for bringing this legislation before the House today. Several years ago, when we both served on the Committee on the Budget, the gentleman from Pennsylvania had the wisdom and the courage to vote for full funding of IDEA. He was the only one on his side of the aisle in that committee to vote ``yes,'' and I certainly appreciate his courage. Despite opposition to this effort, he doggedly pursued this goal. Mr. Speaker, I admired him for his perseverance then and continue to admire him for it now. The work of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) has touched the lives of so many children during his career, providing many of them with the means to better themselves. Today, I find myself as a better person because of the gentleman from Pennsylvania. His retirement at the end of this Congress is a great loss to this institution and to the children of our country. Having extolled the virtues of my chairman, and he is my chairman and my friend, I also want to discuss the importance of this legislation. When the gentleman from Pennsylvania introduced H.R. 4055, I was pleased to learn that his bill is similar to the text of H.R. 3545, the bill introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Martinez) and myself. I want to especially acknowledge the leadership of the gentleman from California (Mr. Martinez) on this issue. It has been a goal of mine, and that of Members on both sides of the aisle, to provide full funding for IDEA. With this legislation, we will create guideposts that the Committee on Appropriations can use to put us on a 10-year path to reaching our goal of providing 40 percent of the excess costs of educating a child with a disability. I truly hope that this bill provides the impetus to reach full funding of IDEA. That would be the greatest tribute we could pay to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling). Clearly, the educational needs of children with disabilities and their access to a free, appropriate public education is a critical issue in assuring they become productive members of our society. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, I believe that Federal funding we target to all populations often provides the link to a high-quality education that would not exist without that funding. This legislation allows us to take a bigger step towards fully funding IDEA and increasing the funding for all of our Federal educational programs. Every child has dignity. Every child has worth. Their education must be a high priority. Together with the President, who has shown great leadership in the area of increased education funding, we can and should be making increased investments in education for our Nation and for our children. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to urge Members to support this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Rivers).

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the 1998 amendments to the Higher Education Act require all institutions receiving funding under part A of title III to wait 2 years after their 5-year grant expires to apply for an additional grant. We created this wait-out period to maximize fundings to institutions receiving funds under title III. This wait-out period applies only to tribal colleges, universities and Alaska-native and native Hawaiian-serving institutions. Without eliminating this wait-out requirement, there will be a situation in which Federal grant dollars are available but no tribal colleges, universities and Alaska-native and Hawaiian-serving institutions would be eligible to apply because of the small number of these institutions that exist. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill so that these institutions can continue to provide the very high quality education to their students.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, recent gasoline price spikes have renewed our awareness that continuing improvements in fuel economy are important to America. Because the goal of improved fuel economy should not be forgotten, I am introducing a bill entitled ``The Advanced Technology Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Act of 2000.'' Back in 1975, after the disruptions of the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, Congress worked to improve energy conservation efforts. One of the key elements was the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, whereby automakers would meet increasing levels of fuel economy for their fleets of vehicles. This program was well intentioned. It was expected to help the U.S. reduce its import of petroleum--especially from the least stable producers around the world. National security would be improved. The balance of payments would be improved. Americans would save money at the pump. And automakers would be encouraged to bring new technologies to market faster. However, expectations did not translate into reality. We have never seen $3 a gallon for gasoline, and price spikes have only occurred on a couple of temporary occasions. Oil supplies have not significantly tightened nor have imports declined. Furthermore, gasoline consumption has not changed significantly. Despite suggestions to the contrary, the fleet average fuel economy for passenger cars has increased by over 100% and for light duty trucks by over 50% since 1974. Manufacturers have made cars lighter, smaller and more aerodynamic. They have improved the efficiency of engines, transmissions, and accessories. Some may assert that this shows the success of the CAFE program. However, these changes actually occurred largely as a result of the higher prices that did exist through the late 1970s and the intense competitiveness among manufacturers worldwide after world oil prices began to decline. While I support the goals of improved fuel efficiency, I believe any increases in CAFE would be very disruptive of the current light truck market and are not necessary. Vehicle choice is too important to consumers, and unilateral disruptions would significantly hurt our vital American Auto Industry. Instead, I believe the proposals in ``The Advanced Technology Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy Act of 2000'' are a better way to achieve the results we want. First, it focuses on the advanced technologies that the automakers are already aggressively pursuing by providing incentives to consumers who purchase vehicles that use hybrid powertrains, electric drive or fuel cells. These incentives will help to promote the work that is underway in the industry/government partnerships like the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). PNGV is a collaborative program to develop breakthrough technologies to improve fuel economy. PNGV has been a huge success already. Just last month, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM each displayed concept cars that show how the technologies being developed (hybrid powertrains, lightweight materials, lower rolling resistance tires, great aerodynamics, and others) can be packaged to provide a five passenger, family sedan that can get 80 miles per gallon without sacrificing performance and most of the other important characteristics of today's comparable vehicles. Second, the bill sets up a thorough study of current and future energy conversation measures related to motor vehicles and transportation. This study would provide for the National Academy of Sciences to review the current U.S. energy situation and make recommendations for future action. In addition, this title of the bill would require a study of lean burn technologies to make sure the U.S. is not embarking on a path that would preclude the use of promising fuel saving technologies. The bill also extends CAFE credits available to manufacturers for producing flexible fuel vehicles: vehicles that can use either gasoline or an alternative fuel, such as ethanol or natural gas. The existence of these credits over the past several years has helped address an ongoing problem: fuel providers do not want to commit to alternative fuel stations without knowing that vehicles would be available to use them. Automakers did not want to produce vehicles that use only alternative fuels without knowing that the fuels would be available. The production of flexible fuel vehicles bridges this gap. Mr. Speaker, this bill will help us deal with the CAFE dilemma that we face. The freeze of the current standards should continue. But in the meantime, we can study where we are, where we have been, and think carefully about where we need to go. And we can provide consumers with the incentives to purchase the vehicles that are starting to show up in the marketplace with some of the advanced technologies resulting from partnerships and competition among the manufacturers. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Spartans of Michigan State University, which my son Paul attended, on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball championship. The Spartans defeated the Florida Gators 89-76 in the championship game to capture the NCAA championship. It was certainly an exciting game that showcased some of the best talent the NCAA has to offer. The Spartans are a great example of what hard work, determination, and a passionate desire to win can accomplish. The Spartans were led by seniors Morris Peterson and Mateen Cleaves and junior Charlie Bell, the Flintstones as they are commonly known in Michigan. All three grew up in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. They have brought a sense of spirit and optimism to our community and our State. I could not be prouder of these young men. They played basketball together and against each other at Berston Field House, a recreational center in the heart of downtown Flint. Over the years, Berston Field House has provided young men and women with not only a great place to play sports but also a safe alternative to the streets. Peterson, Cleaves, and Bell have all been guided by strong family values and principles. All are graduates of the Flint public schools, where academics are stressed before athletics. They all possess a deep sense of spirituality that is clearly rooted in faith and family. And they never miss a chance to praise and celebrate those roots. Their accomplishments shine bright in the eyes of the people of Flint. Morris Peterson was named Big 10 player of the year and joined Mateen Cleaves as one of the 10 players selected to the John Wooden All- American team. Charlie Bell earned a spot on the third team All-Big-10 Conference. All three, along with A.J. Granger, made the All-NCAA tournament team. The Spartans finished their storybook season with a record of 32-7, becoming Big 10 regular season cochampions, Big 10 tournament champions, and NCAA champions. Today, Mr. Speaker, I salute Michigan State's accomplishments and share the joy of their victory with MSU students and alumni and especially the people of Flint.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Alternative Education for Safe Schools and Safe Communities Act of 2000. This legislation will assist States and school districts in their efforts to fund alternative education programs and services for students who have been suspended or expelled from school and reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions. This legislation will provide our schools with an important tool in their efforts to ensure safer schools and safer communities while providing vital educational opportunity. Presently, numerous students are suspended or expelled from school annually. Regardless of the reason these students received a suspension or expulsion--disruptive behavior, verbal abuse, a violent act--they are often left to fend for themselves without any educational services, or worse yet no supervision or guidance. The loss of educational services for these students is a destructive force to their chances to advance academically, be promoted from grade to grade, or to resist the temptation to dropout of school. In addition, students not in school and without any supervision can bring the problems which necessitated their suspension or expulsion to the community--increasing juvenile delinquency and possibly other violence and crime. Under the Gun-Free Schools Act, schools are required to expel a student for one-year if they bring a firearm to school. In school year 1997-1998, that amounted to 3,507 expulsions. Unfortunately, fewer than half of these students were referred for alternative education placements. In fact, students expelled for firearm violations often do not receive educational services through alternative programs or schools. This lack of continuing education and supervision may put the community at risk of gun violence from these children. While there are times when students may need to be removed from their school due to behavior, whether violent or non-violent, little is accomplished by risking their academic future through a lack of educational services. This legislation will promote alternative placements for suspended or expelled students so the problems they brought to school do not become problems of the community. The legislation would also require school districts to reduce the numbers of suspensions of expulsions of students. I would like to make it clear that this program's funding should not make it easier to remove students from the classroom in greater numbers, but rather should enhance the ability of school districts to provide continuing educational services for the students they do remove from the classroom. Specifically, the Alternative Education for Safe Schools and Safe Communities Act of 2000 would authorize $200 million to assist school districts in reducing the number of suspensions and expulsions and establishing or improving programs of alternative education for students who have been suspended or expelled from school. Additional specifics of the program include: States would receive allocations based on the amount of Title I, Part A dollars they receive. States would then distribute 95 percent of this funding to local school districts. School districts would use funding to both reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions and establish or develop alternative education programs. Students participating in alternative education programs would be taught to challenging State academic standards. Students would be provided with necessary mental health, counseling services and other necessary supports. States and school districts would be required to coordinate efforts with other service providers including public mental health providers and juvenile justice agencies. School districts would have to plan for the return of students participating in alternative education programs to the regular educational setting, if it is appropriate, to meet the needs of the child and his or her prospective classmates. School districts would have to meet continually increasing performance goals to maintain funding. These performance goals include: reductions in the number of suspensions and expulsions, reduction in the number of incidents of violent and disruptive behavior, and others. The Department of Education would be required to identify or design model alternative education programs for use by school districts and then disseminate these examples of ``best practices.'' The future of all our children is too critical to allow those who have been suspended or expelled from school to become the future burdens on our social welfare system, or to have the disruptive and unsafe acts they did in schools take place in the greater community. I urge Members to cosponsor this legislation.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to an outstanding educator, Sister Katherine Seidenwand. Last year, Sister Katherine, or ``Sister Kate'' as she is known to friends and family, celebrated her 80th birthday on February 1st, 1999. This year, Sister Kate will attain another milestone, as on March 5, she will celebrate 60 years of service to God, the Catholic Church, and her community. As a member of The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Kate has devoted her entire time toward the field of education. Not only did she function as a teacher and administrator, but by the nature of her position, she was a counselor, spiritual advisor, and friend to many. Sister Kate's educational ministry began in 1941 at St. Cecilia's Parish, and from there she went on to spread her influence throughout the Southeastern Michigan area, including St. Patrick in Wyandotte, Holy Name in Birmingham, St. Mary of Wayne, St. Mary of Redford, and St. John of Monroe. In 1959, Sister Kate became the founding principal of St. Regis School, and held that position until 1970. After leaving St. Regis, Sister Kate returned to work with the IHM order, as their Community Education Supervisor, but soon found herself returning to an administrative role, as in 1972, she began a 23-year tenure as Co- principal of St. Mary of Redford. In 1995, Sister Kate changed roles, stepping down as Co-Principal, and becoming an Administrative Volunteer, thereby allowing others to grow and improve based on her personal experiences and insight. Mr. Speaker, Sister Katherine Seidenwand has inspired many in the field of education. More importantly, she has instilled in them the importance of faith and the joy of God's love. As a former seminarian, studying with her late brother Father Eugene Seidenwand, and as a teacher it is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to pay tribute to Sister Kate. I know that I am a better person for having known her, and our community is certainly a better place because of her presence. She has served our Lord and our community with the greatest devotion and is deserving of our praise.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime community leader, Judge Gerald Snodgrass. On March 2nd, community leaders will join family and friends to celebrate the career of Judge Snodgrass as he marks his retirement after 20 years of service in the field of law, and to the citizens of Burton, Michigan. In 1969 Gerald Snodgrass began his distinguished legal career, receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree from Texas Southern University. Two years later, he received a degree in Criminal Prosecution from the University of Houston. He eventually made his way to Michigan, where in 1978 he received a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology and also post-graduate degrees from the University of Detroit, Western Michigan University, and a degree in Industrial Management from Cleary College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Armed with this impressive educational experience, Gerald decided to pursue both law and education. He began a career as an educator, working as an Adjunct Professor at Charles Stewart Mott College, Western Michigan University, and the University of Detroit. He also began his legal career in 1971 as a Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Genesee County. He was then chosen to serve as a Judge in Genesee County's 67th District Court. During this time he also served as an Alternate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit, a position he held for 18 years. After 20 years of service as a judge, he continued his legal career as a Trial Attorney specializing in criminal law and personal injury cases. Mr. Speaker, Judge Snodgrass has always tried to ensure that justice was provided to all Americans. That is why every person who appeared before him was treated with the utmost dignity and respect. But I believe what always made Gerald such a special judge and person was the time he spent in the community, visiting the churches, meeting with people of all economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. He is responsible for making our community a much better place. It is for this reason that I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating Judge Snodgrass on his retirement.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer). (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to thank the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan, who taught me at Saint Mary's school in Flint, Michigan. I would like to particularly thank Sister M. Hilary who helped change my life. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kleczka).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kleczka).

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, today's resolution recognizes the significant and important contributions of Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, I myself attended Catholic schools. I received a high quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly. Also, children all across America have benefited from a Catholic education. Catholic education's place in America and our educational commitment is strong and dynamic. Fortunately, the truly great aspect of the American educational opportunity is its diversity. We have educational systems that can provide anyone in any city, in any State, with the opportunity to succeed. This recipe for success certainly includes our Catholic schools, schools with other religious focuses, nonreligious private schools, along with our great public schools. It is this variety, Mr. Speaker, this diversity, that truly makes American education powerful and makes American education successful in its mission. Mr. Speaker, today we are recognizing the educational and societal contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. We must recognize the importance and value that all parts of our educational structure have in our lives and the lives of our children. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to Mr. John Hightower of Flint, Michigan. On November 27, local officials, friends, and family will gather to honor this longtime activist and community leader. John Hightower moved to Flint in 1952, where he began a long tenure with the Buick Motor Company. He also joined the UAW and rose through its ranks, serving as a committeeman, as well as on the executive boards for Local 599 and Local 659. John also worked as chair of his Local's civil rights committee, working tirelessly to ensure that his fellow employees were treated with equity and respect. John's sense of civil rights extended into his entrepreneurial activities as well. As the owner of Hightower Construction and Hightower Electric Company, John helped build many prominent churches and other buildings in the Flint area. He provided training for other African Americans who wished to join the business world, helping them receive opportunities that normally would have been denied them in the America of the 1950's and 60's. When local banks refused to hire qualified African-Americans for jobs, it was John Hightower who organized rallies and marches to protest and ultimately eliminate these injustices. In later years, John furthered his business experience with another business, Montego Travel Office, later known as the Travel Centre of Flint. Our Flint community owes much to John for his dedication and generosity. Over the years, he has helped citizens gain self- sufficiency and self-respect. He has promoted strong families with strong foundations, and provided food and shelter for the needy. Mr. Speaker, the celebration to honor John Hightower has a theme entitled ``Visions.'' Truly John has been a visionary, as he has given much of himself to make our community a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in saluting John Hightower. We owe him a debt of gratitude.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives today on behalf of not only one of Flint, Michigan's top citizens, but a man whom I am happy to call colleague and friend. On November 20, the congregation of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church in Flint will gather to recognize and honor bishop Odis A. Floyd, and celebrate his 30 years of commitment as pastor to spreading the Word of the Lord. Odis Floyd came to our community in 1948, and has established himself as one of its favorite sons. He served his country in the U.S. Army in 1958. And he has served the Flint community for many years as a well- respected man of God. Bishop Floyd attended Monterey College, Pensacola Junior College, Mott Community College, Toledo Bible College, and the United Theological Seminary from which he received his DD degree in 1990. It was in 1964 that he accepted his call to ministry, for which all of us in the Flint community are forever grateful. In 1965 he began assisting his grandfather, the Rev. L.W. Owens in the organization of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Floyd was ordained in 1969, and became pastor in November of 1969 when his grandfather retired. In 1991 the church's name was changed to the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church. In 1993 he was consecrated to the office of Bishop by Paul S. Morton, Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship. During his tenure at New Jerusalem, Bishop Floyd has presided over a growth in membership from 450 to more than 3,000. Following a terrible fire which destroyed the church, Bishop Floyd continued to serve the spiritual needs of his flock in a temporary facility. It was under his good guidance that the New Jerusalem congregation was able to construct a new, beautiful church in Flint. One need only step inside this stunning building to feel the warmth and the welcome of the people who helped make it possible. Bishop Floyd is known not only in the Flint community, but throughout the country as a dynamic preacher, spiritual leader, moving gospel singer, and community activist. God has blessed him with a tremendous singing voice. Indeed, Bishop Floyd has been nominated for a Grammy award for the Best Soul Gospel Male Performance. His Sunday services are broadcast live on the church's radio station, and are a favorite for those in the community who are home-bound or otherwise unable to attend church services. I and many other local political and community leaders of all levels have long sought Bishop Floyd's guidance and insight, and after 30 years, he continues to make a tremendous impact wherever he goes. In addition to New Jerusalem, Bishop Floyd has been found working with groups such as the Community Alliance, Resource, Environment [CARE] Drug Rehabilitation and Prevention Center. Mr. Speaker, our community would not be the same without the presence and influence of Bishop Odis Floyd. I know that I am a better person and a better Member of Congress because of his commitment to the Lord's work. And I know that our community is a better place to live in because of Bishop Floyd's spiritual mission. I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join in congratulating his 30 years of pastoral service.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay tribute to 25 members of UAW Local 599, who will be recipients of the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. On Saturday, November 6, 1999, these individuals were honored at the 19th Annual Walter and May Reuther Twenty Year Award Banquet. Local 599 has always had a special place in my heart because my father was one of its original members. Over the years, Local 599 has developed a strong and proud tradition of supporting the rights of working people in our community, and improving the quality of life for its membership. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the local's charter, and its commitment to working for decent wages, education and training, and civil and human rights. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor to recognize these special individuals who have diligently served their union and community. During this time, each one of these UAW members has held various elected positions in the union. And there is no question they have represented their brothers and sisters well. It is very fitting that these 25 people be recipients of the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. Walter Reuther was a man who believed in helping working people, and he believed in human dignity and social justice for all Americans. The recipients of this award have committed themselves to the ideals and principles of Walter Reuther. They are outstanding men and women who come from every part of our community, and they share the common bond of unwavering commitment and service. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Robert Aidif, David Aiken, Dale Bingley, Dennis Carl, Jessie Collins, Russell W. Cook, Harvey DeGroot, Patrick Dolan, Larry Farlin, Maurice Felling, Ted Henderson, James Yaklin, Ken Mead, Don Wilson, Frank Molina, Shirley Prater, Gene Ridley, John D. Rogers, Dale Scanlon, G. Jean Garza-Smith, Robbie Stevens, Nick Vuckovich, Jerry J. Ward, Greg Wheeler, and Tom Worden. I want to congratulate these fine people for all of the work they have done to make our community a better place to live.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. Last year, the House passed similar legislation. Since 1992, the Indian Health Service has transferred more than $400 million to 211 tribes in Alaska and 38 tribes in the lower 48 States under the self-governance demonstration project. The transfer of programming and budgeting authority to tribal governments has proven to be successful. Tribes have made significant progress in meeting the needs of their people and promoting the growth of their communities. It is our responsibility to support the tribes' efforts improving their health care systems. The demonstration project has allowed tribes to expand their range of health care services to their membership. I strongly urge each of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my concern over one particular provision in the FY 2000 Omnibus Appropriations Act providing funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act's Title I program for school improvement and public school choice activities. Specifically, this provision would provide $134 million in fiscal year 2000 to States, who in turn would distribute 100 percent of this funding to school districts, for (1) activities to provide assistance to schools which are failing academically, and (2) public school choice for all children in schools which are identified as ``schools in school improvement'' under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. While on its face, this provisions seem beneficial, I am concerned about its impact on Title I and our nation's schools. The statutory language of this provision does not specify how funds are distributed from the State to school district level. Presently, 98.5 percent of Title I funds are distributed directly to the local level. In addition, Title I funds designated for the local, or school district level, have always been distributed via a targeted formula that provides the bulk of funding to the most disadvantaged areas. This provision's departure from the current statutory focus opens the door to the elimination of targeting funds to the local level--a dangerous step towards taking precious Federal funds away from those who instruct our children on a day to day basis. I expect the Department of Education to issue regulations or guidance which will target these funds to either the school districts with the highest numbers of schools in school improvement or through the existing Title I formula. I also have concerns over the mandate in this provision to provide public school choice. I do want to make clear that I support public school choice as one of several tools which local school districts may implement in their efforts to improve student achievement. H.R. 2, legislation passed by the House earlier this year reauthorizing Title I, also recognized the need to include public school choice provisions in Title I, also recognized the need to include public choice provisions in Title I, but contained important provisions that would (1) tie the requirement to implement public school choice to local school board policy, and (2) ensure that school districts had adequate time to properly design public school choice plans by providing 18 months to implement such plans. In contrast, the provisions contained in this legislation would become effective immediately and are vague on whether local school board policy would be superseded. It is my expectation that the Department of Education will issue guidance or regulations which ensure that school districts can responsibly implement this mandate in adequate time. It is my hope that we can continue to refine the policy that will be implemented through the enactment of this provision as we finish our work on ESEA.