This document provides an overview of primary, cross-cutting issues that are likely to arise as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; Goals 2000; the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act; and the National Education Statistics Act are considered by the United States Congress for reauthorization in the future. The major reauthorization legislation introduced and acted upon in the 106th Congress is described, following the identification of Major Themes of Current Authorizing Legislation. Debate over legislation to reauthorize these programs is focusing on overarching questions concerning the primary purposes of federal aid to elementary and secondary education, its intended beneficiaries and outcomes, and its effectiveness. More specific issues being debated include expansion of school choice options, creation of new authority for state or local flexibility or consolidation of programs into block grants, steps to improve teacher quality and quantity, support for standards-based reform, and funding for improvement of infrastructure--both technology and facilities. (WRM)