Lynn C. Woolsey: “this bipartisan bill could result in an additional $36 million in aid this year for students and colleges impacted by…”

“this bipartisan bill could result in an additional $36 million in aid this year for students and colleges impacted by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. It is a commonsense bill, and I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 3863; but we cannot stop here. Congress must do more to make college affordable for all students, including victims of the hurricanes. Unfortunately, the House probably will vote next month on H.R. 609, a Republican bill that would increase the cost to students of Federal aid by billions of dollars. Ironically, one of the provisions of the Republican H.R. 609 legislation would change the formula for distributing campus-based aid while not increasing the amount of that aid. Earlier this summer, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) offered an amendment in committee that would have ensured that changes in the formula were not tied to full increases but to real increases in aid; but the amendment was defeated by the Republicans in our committee. H.R. 609 simply would rob Peter to pay Paul, rather than address the real problem, which is the Republican refusal to significantly increase Pell grants and other grant aid to make colleges more affordable for low- and middle-income families. Of course, Mr.…”