On the recordMarch 1, 2017
I rise on behalf of millions of students and graduates in this country that are struggling to finance their higher education and pay off student loans. Yesterday I invited Izeah Garcia to the President's address. Izeah is an advocate for increasing accessibility and lowering the cost of a higher education. Izeah and I share a similar story: sons of hardworking immigrant parents, and the first in our families to attend a university, both at UC Santa Barbara, located in my district. Like many students today struggling to afford the rising cost of tuition, we relied on student loans to put us through college. In the President's speech last night, we didn't hear one mention of the over $1.3 trillion student loan debt crisis. I urge this administration and Congress to commit to addressing the unsustainable future of student debt by allowing students to refinance their debt at a lower interest rate and expanding access to Pell grants. We can ensure that every student is afforded the opportunity to pursue a higher education and to better their lives, their communities, and our country. ____________________
