Elijah Cummings: “I rise today to oppose the College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005, H.R. 609, and in support of the Democratic…”

“I rise today to oppose the College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005, H.R. 609, and in support of the Democratic Substitute. Helping millions of Americans reach the fullness of their potential is the 40 year legacy of the Higher Education Act that we are called to honor in the reauthorization bill before us today. Unfortunately, H.R. 609 falls short of fully embracing this legacy, for it fails to ensure that those who wish to better themselves through a postsecondary education are able to realize that goal unrestrained by the shackles of financial disadvantage. Make no mistake, in today's global economy characterized by competition and transformation, a postsecondary education has never been so vital to so many. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recognized this when it concluded that a postsecondary education will be necessary for 42 percent of the jobs created in this decade. The U.S. Census Bureau acknowledged this fact when it reported that those with a bachelor's degree earn on average $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. The fruits of a postsecondary education also frequently include improved access to high-quality healthcare, housing, childcare, and a host of other social benefits that typify the fulfillment of the American dream.…”