School Readiness Act of 2005

SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - September 22, 2005)

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). Pursuant to House Resolution 455 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 2123.

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Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, today I am a Member of Congress. Prior to ever being elected to office and serving in the State legislature or Congress, I worked 6 years for Head Start. I started as assistant teacher, and I went on to be the supervisor of Parent Involvement and Volunteer Services. I love Head Start, and I have a great appreciation for what my government has done in creating this program to give poor kids and the kids of working families an opportunity to get a head start, to get prepared for kindergarten and to get prepared for success. That is what Head Start has been doing.

Not only does Head Start build self-esteem, it prepares children to read and get ready for the educational experience. It teaches parents to appreciate their children's work. It teaches parents that they can have involvement in their children's educational destiny. This is a wonderful program.

I think the committee did a good job in working through some of the problems. I do not agree with everything, but I would support this bill.

But I am absolutely shocked and surprised that my colleague that I came into this Congress with would lead an effort to kill Head Start. The gentleman knows he is killing Head Start by putting this amendment on the floor to put religious involvement in the program. A faith-based initiative has no place in Head Start. Head Start teaches children to respect each other, to enjoy each other, to respect all cultures.

On Sunday morning in America, religion is the most segregated sector of our society. Whites go to white churches, blacks go to black churches, Greeks go to Greek churches, Muslims are in their mosque, Jews are in their synagogue; and that is all right. We have religious freedom. People go to whatever church they want. But do not bring that to Head Start. Allow Head Start to be what it should be for all Americans. Do not say to people because you are a different faith, you cannot work in this Head Start program.

We do not want to give that kind of example to our children. Do not start the resegregation of America, it is wrong. And do not do this to Head Start.

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