Congress has passed its annual appropriations bill for the District of Columbia and this bill provides for scholarships of up to $7,500 for as many as 1,700 disadvantaged DC school children. The same funding is given to children attending both DC-based charter and traditional public schools.

The Center For Education Reform: "The last time Congress passed a similar bill was in 1998, when a plan that enjoyed bi-partisan support was vetoed by then President Clinton. The Bush Administration has backed this plan, which was initiated by District Mayor Anthony Williams, City Councilman Kevin Chavous and School Board President Peggy Cooper-Cafritz, who have worked to advance the plan.

These local leaders were part of an often-contentious debate, which earned the support of most Republicans and many prominent Democrats, such as Senators Dianne Feinstein, Robert Byrd and Joe Lieberman...The District will be the fifth jurisdiction to enact a school choice program that involves both public, charter and private schools. The others are in Cleveland, Milwaukee, Florida and Colorado.

A constitutional challenge is expected".

Said CER president Jeanne Allen, "There is no question that DC's moms and dads want and need this program. This is the biggest education accomplishment in this city in twenty years and its leaders should be congratulated for being willing to stand up against enormous, establishment pressure to keep business as usual in the schools."