Political Quotes

“reserving the right to object, with all respect, this is no way to help historically Black colleges and minority-serving institutions. What the Senator from Maryland is suggesting is that we pass a bill that would have 2 years' funding that is supported by a budget gimmick that will never pass the U.S. Senate. If we are relying on that proposal to fund historically Black colleges, it is all over. What I have offered instead--and I introduced 3 weeks ago on the floor of the Senate--is a bipartisan package of bills that begins with permanent funding for historically Black colleges and minority-serving institutions that is fully paid for. So if the choice is between 2 years of a gimmick that will never pass the Senate and permanent funding that is fully paid for, that is not much of a hard decision for me. In addition to that, I suggested at the same time that we pass some other proposals that are bipartisan and have been drafted by 32 Senators--18 Democrats, 14 Republicans. In addition to the long-term, permanent solution for minority-serving institutions of $225 million a year, we include simplifying FAFSA, which would help 20 million families a year. Senator Jones and I introduced a bill to do that just yesterday. That can pass this week and go to the President and be signed into law. There is also Pell grants for prisoners, short-term Pell grants. Senator Daines and Senator Portman and many others have suggested that.…”