Congress has a responsibility to explore ways we can strengthen and streamline federal student aid programs.

But we need to move away from a system that allows Washington politicians to use student loan interest rates as bargaining chips, creating uncertainty and confusion for borrowers.

I think, is a tremendous accomplishment.

So how would you suggest that we do that?

So let us be clear about what you are saying, which is that the testimony of the first two witnesses was not truthful.

I want to thank the Ranking Member and Senator Cornyn and the Chairman for being here today.

I think we are all in agreement here that we should try to avoid--reduce avoidable delays.

It is a privilege to be with these three gentlemen who have been champions of open government.

Does that translate into a shorter wait on most requests?

I am not sure that we would want to hold up a nomination by demanding that more resources be applied when we are kicking kids off of Head Start.

Well, thank you. Thank you, gentlemen, for your testimony.

A 45-percent reduction in the backlog in the past four years, I think, is a tremendous accomplishment.

we need to move away from a system that allows Washington politicians to use student loan interest rates as bargaining chips, creating uncertainty and confusion for borrowers.

we would use this time to work toward a long-term solution that better aligns interest rates with the free market.

no one wants to see student loan interest rates increase, particularly as young people continue to struggle with high un- and underemployment.

I think we need some consumer protections. We need to take a look at why students are one of the very few groups that can't get the protection of bankruptcy.

Supporting higher education remains a top priority in Washington.

Faster than us? I know, it is shocking. Shocking concept I know.