This document records the proceedings of a Congressional hearing on the role of the federal government in education policy. Statements are provided by Richard Riley (Secretary of Education), Bret Schundler (Mayor, Jersey City, New Jersey), Tommy Thompson (Governor, Wisconsin), and Representatives, William L. Clay (Missouri), William F. Goodling (Pennsylvania), Harris W. Fawell (Illinois), Gene Green (Texas), and Thomas C. Sawyer (Ohio). The following federal education programs are discussed: the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Work Opportunities Act, Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the Improving America's School Act. Discussion includes education and the future; economic development and success; national security; responsible citizenship; access and civil rights; state and local responsibility; program reforms; the role of the Department of Education; research; technology; student aid; federal and state partnerships; education standards; education as a state responsibility; school funding and flexibility; disadvantaged children; public and private schools; decentralization; the role of parents; employment and job training programs; major research findings on school choice; and program costs. (AEF)