Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Miller, Subcommittee Chairman Kildee and Representative Chandler for their hard work on this important legislation. The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act provides the country a wonderful opportunity to not only modernize our schools by creating a healthier, more environmentally friendly learning environment for our children, but it also creates good jobs at a time when they are needed the most by this country.
While there is no disputing the merits the underlying bill and the proven benefits of green schools on students and teachers, I believe it is crucial that Congress has a clear picture on how and where these funds are going to be spent, the long-term economic savings and the types of projects funded to be sure we are keeping with the intent of the legislation. That is why I am offering a straightforward good government amendment that requires the GAO to report to Congress on how these funds are being utilized.
Under my amendment, the GAO will be required to report to Congress no later than 1 year after the enactment on the extent and types of projects being undertaken in the schools around the country, the geographic distribution around the country and the urban, suburban and rural mix. As we continue to improve and modernize our schools, this information is going to be critical for the future decisionmaking of this Congress.
I urge my colleagues to support the amendment and the underlying legislation.
