Our children come first, and that’s why I established a bipartisan National Commission on Excellence in Education, to help us chart a commonsense course for better education.  And already, communities are implementing the Commission’s recommendations.  Schools are reporting progress in math and reading skills.  But we must do more to restore discipline to schools; and we must encourage the teaching of new basics, reward teachers of merit, enforce tougher standards, and put our parents back in charge.

I will continue to press for tuition tax credits to expand opportunities for families and to soften the double payment for those paying public school taxes and private school tuition.  Our proposal would target assistance to low- and middle-income families.  Just as more incentives are needed within our schools, greater competition is needed among our schools.  Without standards and competition, there can be no champions, no records broken, no excellence in education or any other walk of life.

And while I’m on this subject, each day your Members observe a 200-year-old tradition meant to signify America is one nation under God.  I must ask:  If you can begin your day with a member of the clergy standing right here leading you in prayer, then why can’t freedom to acknowledge God be enjoyed again by children in every schoolroom across this land?

America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety.  He is ours.  I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side.

During our first 3 years, we have joined bipartisan efforts to restore protection of the law to unborn children.  Now, I know this issue is very controversial.  But unless and until it can be proven that an unborn child is not a living human being, can we justify assuming without proof that it isn’t?  No one has yet offered such proof; indeed, all the evidence is to the contrary.  We should rise above bitterness and reproach, and if Americans could come together in a spirit of understanding and helping, then we could find positive solutions to the tragedy of abortion.

Economic recovery, better education, rededication to values, all show the spirit of renewal gaining the upper hand.  And all will improve family life in the eighties.  But families need more.  They need assurance that they and their loved ones can walk the streets of America without being afraid.  Parents need to know their children will not be victims of child pornography and abduction.  This year we will intensify our drive against these and other horrible crimes like sexual abuse and family violence.

Already our efforts to crack down on career criminals, organized crime, drugpushers, and to enforce tougher sentences and paroles are having effect.  In 1982 the crime rate dropped by 4.3 percent, the biggest decline since 1972.  Protecting victims is just as important as safeguarding the rights of defendants.