From the National Governors' Association, December, 2000.
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Frustrated by the hold up, Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi threatened to set aside the bill, which supporters called the most sweeping blueprint for education reform in 35 years. Aides held out hope the Senate would open debate on the bill on Wednesday. Instead, it would allow students in failing schools to use some federal funding to pay for private tutoring or transfer to another public school. But Democrats later objected to proceeding, insisting that negotiators complete drafting complicated rules for assessing failing schools and closing the achievement gap. Democrats and the White House also remained at odds over funding for elementary and secondary education programs.