Ric Keller: “I rise in support of the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act. As the ranking member of the Higher Education…”

“I rise in support of the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act. As the ranking member of the Higher Education Subcommittee, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. The troubles that began in the subprime mortgage market have had a ripple effect on our economy, including all types of consumer credit. Unfortunately, that also includes student loans. As a result of these disruptions in the financial markets, students and families all across America are worrying about how they will pay for college this fall. Through no fault of their own, students may have a more difficult time getting the financing they need for college. Well, at least when it comes to Federal loans, there are things we can do now to prevent that from happening. Today we are taking positive steps to make sure that students have access to low-interest student loans, despite the recent turmoil in the financial markets. This bill was developed on a bipartisan basis to take preliminary action to shore up the Federal Family Education Loan Program and to offer new flexibility and protections to students and their families.”