On the recordApril 25, 2012
This past Friday, I spoke to the graduates of Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. I gave the commencement address. Like many other students who will be graduating this year, they are determined and eager to take on the difficult challenges of this world. Unfortunately, many of them are leaving college with a mountain of student debt--debt that can keep them from pursuing opportunities which may not yield short-term financial rewards but could make our world a better place to live. You don't have to look far to find these amazing young people. Our offices are filled with them. Others have said it today, but I'm going to say it again. We must pass legislation to prevent the interest rate on Stafford loans from doubling this July 1. It's also why I've introduced H.R. 4286, which would allow students to begin paying back their Federal loans 12 months after they graduate instead of 6, and I hope I have support on that. This is commonsense legislation that will allow new grads the chance to start their careers without the burden of monthly student loan payments. ____________________
