Elton Gallegly: “after having a conversation with Mr. Goodling, the chairman of the opportunities committee, I wish to clarify, for the…”

“after having a conversation with Mr. Goodling, the chairman of the opportunities committee, I wish to clarify, for the record, section 606 of H.R. 2202. The Department of Education recently signed a computer matching agreement with the Social Security Administration which is to go into effect for the 1996-1997 school year. The purpose of the matching program is to ensure that the requirements of section 484(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 are met. This matching program will enable the Department of Education to confirm that the social security number and the citizenship status of applicants for financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act are valid at the time of application. I would further note that the details of the matching arrangement can be found in the Federal Register publications of March 23, 1995, September 21, 1995, and December 1, 1995. The matching agreement addresses my concerns about the verification of a student's status and eligibility for student aid. However, we all know that statutory language is a much better source of authority than regulations. So, I just want to make sure that the verification takes place, that's all. That's why I have included the statutory language. If the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education agree that the matching agreement adequately meets the verification requirements of section 606 of the bill, then that is fine with me.”