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1994.04.22: Shalala Hails Senate, House Action on Head Start Legislation

Contact:  HHS Press Office 
Friday, April 22, 1994                           (202) 690-6343 


    SHALALA HAILS SENATE, HOUSE ACTION ON HEAD START LEGISLATION 


     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today issued the following 
statement regarding Congressional action on Head Start 
reauthorization legislation: 

     "In passing S.2000, the Senate has acted with the speed and 
comprehensiveness that the Head Start program deserves.  I am 
delighted, and I feel the nation owes heartfelt thanks to the 
senators who have created and moved this legislation.  In 
particular, I want to offer my thanks to Senator Kennedy, Senator 
Dodd, Senator Kassebaum and Senator Coats. 

     "I am also happy that reauthorization legislation is moving 
rapidly in the House of Representatives, with the Education and 
Labor Committee reporting out a bill yesterday. 

     "In both chambers, we are seeing a bipartisan spirit that is 
truly heartening. 

     "In a very short time, we have forged a productive new view of 
Head Start's future.  Just a year ago, we did not have agreement on 
the new directions that Head Start should take.  We all knew that 
Head Start was a strong foundation to build on, but the blueprint 
still had to be drawn. 

     "The bipartisan Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and 
Expansion began that task, and its work is bearing fruit now.  
Passage of Head Start reauthorization in the Senate and reporting of 
the bill in the House mark the next crucial steps now completed. 

     "We need to keep up the momentum.  We need a Head Start program 
that serves the real needs of families in the 1990s and into the 
next century.  I am confident that Congress will continue to move 
quickly in this area.   
              
     "On behalf of every young child and every family who need a 
strong Head Start program, I look forward eagerly to the day when 
President Clinton will sign a strong, renewed Head Start program 
into law." 

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