Floor Statements

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Prescott Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Prescott Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $127,188 which it used for improvements to the fire safety system including fire doors and exits, electrical work, sheet rock paneling, smoke and heat detectors, and emergency lighting. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute superintendent Steven Callison, former superintendents Graham Quinn, Mac McKown, and Eric Wood, the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Prescott Community School District. In particular, I'd like to recognize the leadership of the board of education Marnie Cline, Doug Birt, Randy Cooper, Brian Fitzgerald, former members Karl McCarty, Kevin Schafer, Kathy West, Cheryl Blazek, Matt Wood, and Wayne Laird and custodian Mary Adkins, who was instrumental in the implementation of the grants.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Prescott Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Rudd- Rockford-Marble Rock Community School District and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Community School District received a 2002 Harkin grant totaling $60,865 which it used to help correct problems throughout the building due to ground water seepage and flooding. The district also received a 2004 fire safety grant totaling $17,640, to install electromagnetic door holders at the elementary and junior and senior high schools. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock

Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education, president Harm Eggena III, vice president Angie Johnson, Bea Volk, Tim Trettin, and Wendy Fullerton, and former members, Rick Demaray, Scott Woodruff, Gary O'Connor, Terri Engels, Ann Sullivan, Bill Dolan, Lisa Paulus, and Pat Rooney. I would also like to recognize superintendent Steve Ward, former superintendent Gary Schwartz, director of buildings and grounds Norm Kelly, board secretary Janice Kuhlers, Neil Fullerton, and Neil Wedeking.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the West Des Moines Community School District and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The West Des Moines Community School District received two Harkin fire safety grants totaling $332,011 which it used to make fire safety repairs at the Walnut Creek Campus and at Fairmeadows Elementary School. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the West Des Moines Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Mark Lyons, vice president Terry Tobin, Barbara Burnett, Jill Hansen, Susan Moritz, Tom Suckow, and H. Milton Cole, and former board members Jim Aipperspach, Jane Fogg, Curt Lack, Pete Leo, John Paule, Jeanne Taylor, John Ambroson, Gretchen Tegeler, and Deb Thomas. I would also like to recognize superintendent Tom Narak, former superintendent Les Omotani, former associate superintendent Galen Howsare.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the West Des Moines Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, I come to the floor to express my opposition to this deeply unwise United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act. In truth, this is not a nonproliferation enhancement act; it is a nonproliferation degradation and weakening act. If we pass this legislation, we will reward India for flouting the most important arms control agreement in history, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we will gravely undermine our case against hostile nations that seek to do the same.

At a time when one of our primary national security objectives is to mobilize the global community to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons, the legislation before us would severely undermine our credibility and consistency.

India has refused to sign the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty-- one of only four nations, by the way--and, three decades ago, produced its first nuclear weapon. It was precisely for this reason that following India's first nuclear test in 1974, the United States felt compelled to create the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Since the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, the United States has prohibited-- has prohibited--the sale of any nuclear technology, peaceful or not, to any nation, such as India, that does not have full nuclear safeguards-- full nuclear safeguards. As was pointed out earlier by my colleague from North Dakota, Senator Dorgan, right now India has 22 nuclear reactors. Under this agreement, only 14 will come under IAEA, International Atomic Energy Agency, safeguards--14. What about the other eight? What is going to happen to them? They are not under any safeguards at all. So, again, we are undermining and we are overturning what the United States has been doing for over 50 years.

The legislation we now have before us permits the United States to unilaterally break that ban. It will open the floodgates for other nations, such as France and Russia, that already have agreements to sell to India pending--pending--the approval of this deal.

Listen to the views of LTG Robert Gard, chairman of the Center for Arms Control and Proliferation. I quote his words:

The greatest threat to the security of the United States is

the proliferation of nuclear weapons. This deal [with India]

significantly weakens U.S. and international security by

granting an exception to the rules of the Nuclear Suppliers

Group and American laws, thereby undermining the entire non-

proliferation regime and inviting violations by other

nations.

I would add there is nothing in this agreement to prevent India from continuing on a parallel path its robust nuclear weapons program. India is allowed to continue producing--to continue producing--bomb-making material, and it is free to expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons. Even worse, there is nothing in this legislation to prevent India from resuming nuclear weapons testing.

So I ask, why, in the twilight of the Bush Presidency--and we know what

his ratings are and how the people feel about this Presidency--why are we rushing to pass this gravely flawed agreement? It was hustled through the other body without any hearings and without a vote in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Here in the Senate, the Foreign Relations Committee held just one hearing with just one witness who spoke in support of the agreement. Until Senators objected, an attempt was made to pass the bill on the floor without any debate whatsoever. Given the monumental national security implications of this legislation--casting aside core principles of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty--this lack of debate and due diligence is simply extraordinary.

Leading arms control experts have condemned this agreement. Leonor Tomero, director of nuclear nonproliferation at the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, rendered this verdict:

The Bush administration ignored congressional conditions

and gave away the store in its negotiations with India, with

nothing to show for the deal now except having helped foreign

companies, enabled the increase of nuclear weapons and

nuclear-weapons materials in India, and seriously eroded a

thirty-year norm of preventing nuclear proliferation.

India is a peaceful nation, a strong democracy, and a friend of the United States. I have tremendous respect for India. But there are facts that must be acknowledged: India is one of only four states that have refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; India continues to produce fissile material and expand its nuclear arsenal; India does not have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards on all elements of its civilian nuclear program; and India has failed to file a list of facilities that will be subject to the IAEA safeguards. According to the U.S. Department of State, in the past, Indian entities have sold sensitive missile technologies to Iran--to Iran--in violation of U.S. export control laws.

I might just add one other thing. It has been said time and time again that India is a great friend of the United States. I suggest that one go back and look at the votes in the United Nations General Assembly and see how many times India votes with the United States and has since the establishment of the United Nations. It is dismal. I was trying to get that before the debate today, going all the way back. I had that at one time. But I can tell you, last year, in 2007, in the General Assembly, India voted with the United States 14 percent of the time--one of the lowest in the world. This great friend of the United States supported us in the United Nations 14 percent of the time. Is that a real friend?

As I said, one more item: India, 22 reactors; only 14 are going to come under IAEA safeguards, the other 8 used for military weapons programs. Yet, despite this record, the legislation before us would give India the rights and privileges of civil nuclear trade that heretofore have been restricted to members in good standing of the nonproliferation treaty.

As others have pointed out, this would create a dangerous precedent. It would create a distinction between kind of ``good'' proliferators and ``bad'' proliferators. It would send mixed, misleading signals to the international community with regard to what is and is not permitted under the nonproliferation treaty. Under this legislation, the United States would be saying, in effect, that India is a ``good'' proliferator and it should get special favorable treatment. What if, in the months ahead, China or Russia decides to recognize Iran as a ``good'' proliferator? On what grounds would we object, having rewritten the rules to suit our own interests and certain special interests with regard to India?

I oppose this legislation. But there is one element of this prospective agreement with India that I believe is particularly dangerous and needs to be changed. It was talked about earlier. Under the 2006 Henry J. Hyde Act, the United States must--must--ban the transfer of enrichment or reprocessing technologies to India and it must cut off--must cut off--nuclear trade with India if that nation resumes nuclear testing. The administration has successfully pressured the Nuclear Suppliers Group to approve an India-specific waiver that does not incorporate these consequences if India resumes nuclear testing. This is virtually an invitation to India to resume nuclear testing, secure in the knowledge that a resumption of testing would not nullify this new nuclear trade agreement.

I believe this to be a grave mistake. That is why I am joining with Senator Dorgan and Senator Bingaman and others to offer a commonsense amendment to this legislation in order to send an unambiguous warning to India with regard to resumption of nuclear testing. Our amendment states:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United

States may not export, transfer, or retransfer any nuclear

technology, material, equipment, or facility under the

Agreement if the Government of India detonates a nuclear

device after the date of the enactment of this Act.

It is very simple, very straightforward.

In order to protect the integrity of the world's nonproliferation regime, I urge my colleagues to vote against the United States-India nuclear energy cooperation agreement. It will set a dangerous precedent, and it will weaken our efforts to deny Iran a nuclear weapon. But if nothing else, at least we can adopt the amendment being offered by Senator Dorgan and Senator Bingaman and others to say that if, in fact, they do detonate a nuclear device, the United States will stop any export, transfer, or retransfer of any nuclear technology, material, or equipment to India. So, again, I am a realist. I recognize that this seems to be on a fast track. It will likely go to passage. So to minimize the damage, I urge Senators to support the Dorgan-Bingaman amendment which will give India strong incentives not to resume nuclear testing.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Atlantic Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Atlantic Community School District received two Harkin fire safety grants totaling $180,960 which it used for improvements to the fire safety systems at the elementary and middle schools and to address deficiencies on the fire safety report. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute Superintendent Wendy Prigge, former Superintendent Mark Schweer, the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Atlantic Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--President Phil Hascall, Vice President Jody Lorence, Kristy Pellett, Dennis Davis, Jon Martens, and former members Jan Myers, Steve Jacobs, and Glen Smith. In addition, district staff Barb Nelson, now deceased, Denise Bridges, Jan Kerns, and Jerry Jensen should also be recognized for their work on the grant application and implementation.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Atlantic Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the CAL Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The CAL Community School District received a 1999 Harkin grant totaling $205,000 which it used to help build an addition to the elementary school and a 2004 Harkin grant totaling $162,250 to provide space for pre-kindergarten programs, before and after school programs, vocational agriculture programs and science. The district also received fire safety grants totaling $99,978 to improve emergency lighting, install fire alarms and make other safety improvements throughout the district. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the CAL Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Mark Johansen, Beth Eddy, Shawn Elphic, Steve Muhlenbruch and Therron Miller and former board members Roy Plagge, Darwin Hill, Jacki Anderson, Craig Johnson and Lee Schaefer. I would also like to recognize superintendent Steven Lane and former superintendents Dr. James Jess, Charles Stalker and Lyle Schwartz and the CAL Education Foundation.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the CAL Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school-board members in the Central City Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Central City Community School District received a 2004 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which it used to help build a new high school building and expand curricular offerings and afterschool programs, improve available technology, and improve accessibility for students with disabilities. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received a fire safety grant in 2002, totaling $30,000, which was used to install a new fire alarm system and to make ventilation improvements in the multipurpose and high school buildings.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Central City Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--David Goodlove, Neil Mattias, Crystal Murphy, Leanna Palmer and Eric Rauch and former board members Kirk Hayes, Teresa Uhlenkamp and Sue Pillard. I would also like to recognize superintendent John Dotson, former superintendent Bill Mertens, high school principal David Glynn and business manager Karla Hogan.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Central City Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a

top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Clarion- Goldfield Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Clarion-Goldfield Community School District received a 1999 Harkin grant totaling $192,946 which it used to help build an addition to the middle school. The district also received three fire safety grants totaling $75,000 for fire alarms, exit signs, fire rated doors and other safety improvements throughout the district. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Clarion-Goldfield Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Clint Middleton, vice president Missy Schultz, Dr. Timothy Nagel, Dana Langfitt, and Beth Jackson and former board members Bruce Frink, Sally Woodley, Terry Lerdal and Denny McGrath. I would also like to recognize superintendent Dr. Robert Olson, board secretary Fern Spellmeyer, head custodian Duane Wempen, high school principal Dennis March, middle school principal Steve Haberman and former elementary school principal John Suhumskie.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Clarion-Goldfield Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Corwith- Wesley Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. The Federal grant has made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

The Corwith-Wesley Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $125,000 which it used to make extensive fire safety upgrades and repairs at the high school and other Corwith and Wesley school facilities. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Corwith-Wesley Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Keith Hauswirth, Jonathan Chambers, Pete Wilhite, Tracy Studer, and Susan Burrs, and former members, president Doug DeGroote, Craig Larson, Judy Grandgenett, Dan Beenken, Gayle Trenary, and Leslie Ludwig. I would also like to recognize superintendent Willie Stone, former superintendents Don West, Dale Johnson, and Jim McDermott, and high school secretary Allyson Thompson.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Corwith-Wesley Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Council Bluffs Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building

new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Council Bluffs Community School District received Harkin grants totaling $2,914,250 which it used to help modernize and make safety improvements throughout the district. The district received a 1999 construction grant for $750,000 to help replace windows and update HVAC systems at Longfellow, Lewis and Clark and Pusey Elementary Schools, a 2002 grant for $1 million to help upgrade plumbing at Thomas Jefferson High School and Edison, Roosevelt and Washington Schools and a 2003 grant for $500,000 to help upgrade the HVAC and electrical systems, at Washington School and to help build a preschool restroom at Rue Elementary School. The district also received three fire safety grants totaling $675,000 to install sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and make other safety improvements at several schools in the district. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Council Bluffs Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--President Marvin Arnpriester, Vice President Mark McGee, David Coziahr, J.J. Harvey, Janine Headen, Glen Mitchell, and Gina Malloy Primmer, and former board members Billi Harrill, Melanie Bates, Bobbette Behrens, Louie Carta, Francis Clark, Pam Collins, Randy Ewing, Marilyn Heider, Rick Killion, Kenneth Petersen, Mark Peterson, Cathy Ryba, Rita Sealock, David Strom, and Tim Wichman. I would also like to recognize Superintendent Martha Bruckner, former Superintendent Richard Christie, Longfellow principal, Peg Shea, Executive Director for Finance and Support Services, Greg Rodgers, and Administrator Neal Evans.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends, but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Council Bluffs Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Eddyville- Blakesburg Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Eddyville-Blakesburg Community School District received a 2000 Harkin grant totaling $133,750 which it used to help build a new commons area at the elementary school. The district also received two fire safety grants totaling $47,013 for electrical work, to install a fire alarm system and make other repairs at the elementary school. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Eddyville-Blakesburg Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Kevin Lane, Jeff Claypool, Dave Friedman, Dan Hulbert, Deb Bahr, Ed Glenn and Gay Murphy and former board members Orbie Brittain, Maurice Gardner, Greg Roberts, Lawrence Smith, Richard Lettington and Cindy Donohue. I would also like to recognize superintendent Dr. Dean Cook and former superintendent Dr. Allen Meyer.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Eddyville-Blakesburg Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Greene Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Greene Community School District received a 2001 Harkin grant totaling $266,699 which it used to help build an addition to the high school. This school is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school

facility that every child in America deserves. The district also received three fire safety grants totaling $75,000 to install new hoods in the kitchens at the elementary and high schools, to install fire alarms and door closures and make other repairs.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Greene Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--Gary Hatcher, Laura Schafer, Troy Feldman, Barbara Brinkman and John Moellers and former board members Sara Trepp, Stanley Cousins, Robb Holtz, Jeff Lindell and Warren Van Dyke. I would also like to recognize superintendent Steve Ward and John Backer for his leadership of the citizens' committee which supported the bond referendum for the project.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin School Grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Greene Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Keokuk Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Keokuk Community School District received a 1999 Harkin grant totaling $750,000 which it used to help renovate Hawthorne Elementary School and build a library addition for the Middle School. And in 2002, the district began construction of an alternative school with a $481,250 Harkin grant, as well as funds from a bond referendum and proceeds from a local option sales tax. This facility opened in 2005 and provides an unique learning environment for 75-100 students each day. In addition, nearly $455,000 in Harkin Fire Safety Grants have been awarded to the Keokuk Community School District between 1999 and 2004 for the new alarm systems, new windows, and fire doors to assure the safety of students, teachers and staff. These schools are modern, state-of-the-art facility that befits the educational ambitions and excellence of this school district. Indeed, it is the kind of school facility that every child in America deserves.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Keokuk Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education.

As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Keokuk Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the Martensdale- St. Marys Community School District and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. In many cases, this Federal funding is used to leverage public and/or private local funding, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect in a local school district.

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District received a 2003 Harkin grant totaling $500,000 which it used to help build a classroom addition and perform renovations in the existing school. The district also received a $25,000 fire safety grant to upgrade lighting and wiring in the area of the stage. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education-- Velvet Van Hoose, Scott Anderson, Cathy Seymour, Nicole Bunch, and John Della Vedova, and former board members Merle Allen, Larry Henson, Pat Connor, Dean Gavin, and Holly Estell. I would also like to recognize superintendent Jean Peterson, former superintendent Peggy Huisman, business manager Jane Cassady, and maintenance director Jim Lynch.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that

many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.

Mr. President, in Iowa and across the United States, a new school year has begun. As you know, Iowa public schools have an excellent reputation nationwide, and Iowa students' test scores are among the highest in the Nation.

I would like to take just a few minutes today to salute the dedicated teachers, administrators, and school board members in the New London Community School District, and to report on their participation in a unique Federal partnership to repair and modernize school facilities.

This fall marks the 10th year of the Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program. That is its formal name, but it is better known among educators in Iowa as the program of Harkin grants for Iowa public schools. Since 1998, I have been fortunate to secure a total of $121 million for the State government in Iowa, which selects worthy school districts to receive these grants for a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools or renovating existing facilities. The Federal grant has made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

The New London Community School District received several Harkin fire safety grants totaling $100,000 which it used to make extensive upgrades to school facilities. The grants enabled the district to upgrade electrical wiring, install emergency lighting and make other safety repairs. The Federal grants have made it possible for the district to provide quality and safe schools for their students.

Excellent schools do not just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. They are the product of vision, leadership, persistence, and a tremendous amount of collaboration among local officials and concerned citizens. I salute the entire staff, administration, and governance in the New London Community School District. In particular, I would like to recognize the leadership of the board of education--president Laurie Hempen, vice president Bob McPheron, Dennis Carter, Kelly Kadel, and Joel Prottsman, and former members, Virginia Ekstrand, Sid Schmitt, Rhonda Mixon, David Gates, and Gary Schweitzer. I would also like to recognize superintendent Chuck Reighard, former superintendent Robert Cardoni, and former board secretary Nancy Blow.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Harkin school grant program in Iowa, I am obliged to point out that many thousands of school buildings and facilities across the United States are in dire need of renovation or replacement. In my State of Iowa alone, according to a recent study, some 79 percent of public schools need to be upgraded or repaired. The harsh reality is that the average age of school buildings in the United States is nearly 50 years.

Too often, our children visit ultramodern shopping malls and gleaming sports arenas on weekends but during the week go to school in rundown or antiquated facilities. This sends exactly the wrong message to our young people about our priorities. We have to do better.

That is why I am deeply grateful to the professionals and parents in the New London Community School District. There is no question that a quality public education for every child is a top priority in that community. I salute them and wish them a very successful new school year.