Political Quotes

“I, too, as I have heard everybody else tonight, rise in support of H.R. 6. There are a number of good reasons to support this bill but, since I only have a few minutes, I will focus on provisions to make college more affordable. While the bill includes a new low student loan interest rate and increases assistance to disadvantaged students, these provisions will not be of much help if tuition rates continue to increase, thus requiring students to take on more debt or minimizing the value of grant aid. By the way, tuition has increased more than any other commodity in this country in the last 20 years or so. To bring some subtle downward pressure on tuition rates, this bill includes an amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and myself based on the recommendations of the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education. The bill includes provisions requiring the Department of Education to review regulations regarding student financial assistance every 2 years and where possible repeal, consolidate or simplify those regulations.”