Holding Kids to Higher Standards than Iraq

Democrats accuse President Bush of being tougher on American school kids than the Iraqi government.

During debate over paying for the Iraq War, the House Speaker pointed out that the President demanded benchmarks for schools under the "No Child Left Behind" Act. But he rejected the same kind of standards Democrats want to impose on Iraq's government.

“While holding America’s school children accountable with consequences, the President refuses to hold the Iraqi government responsible with consequences while our young people in Iraq are dying.” -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Floor debate, May 10, 2007

The President has rejected the House version of the Iraq spending plan -- but appears to be more open to a compromise -- including benchmarks -- being worked on in the Senate. (NPR)