Senate Passes Reed Amendment
to Improve School Libraries
The U.S. Senate voted 69–30 May 16 to spend $500 million annually to provide up-to-date school library media resources and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists for elementary and secondary schools.
The amendment to Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, introduced in February by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), passed over the objections of Republican leaders who wanted to restrict spending on schools, Reuters reported May 16.
“Senator Jack Reed’s bill recognizes the pivotal role that well-funded school libraries and dedicated librarians play in a student’s academic life, and the passage of this bill is a clear indication that the Senate agrees with him,” said ALA Washington Office Executive Director Emily Sheketoff.
Senate Republican leader Trent Lott of Mississippi told Reuters he expected a final vote on the education bill May 23. After the House passes its version of the bill, Lott said he would urge House and Senate negotiators to remove the Democrat-backed spending measures.
Posted May 21, 2001.
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