Connie Morella: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in praise of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling), the gentleman from California (Mr.…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in praise of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling), the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) and all of the members of the conference committee on H.R. 6 for their hard work and their leadership. They deserve great credit for this thoughtful and carefully crafted bill that will increase access to a higher education for millions of Americans. For most Americans, student loans are the primary source of education funding. From the GI Bill to Pell Grants and the Stafford Loan Program, financial aid has enabled millions of working class families to send their children to college. This legislation will provide college students with the lowest interest rates for academic loans in 17 years. It expands the Pell Grant Program and also improves campus based aid programs like Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. It improves teacher preparation and provides loan forgiveness for teachers who work in areas where the poverty rate is high. They have simplified the process of applying for student loans and there is more access to crime statistics and information to allow them to have an accurate picture of campus safety.”