Political Quotes

“The motion calls upon the conferees to provide no less than the House level for overall student financial assistance and the highest amount of funding for the Pell grant program. Without adequate resources in this program, low- and moderate-income students will not be able to gain a post-secondary education. College costs are soaring, we know that. So much so that Democratic Members introduced legislation today to help hold down college tuition increases. But without additional Pell grant funding, our neediest students are going to continue to be left behind. This Congress is able to pass massive tax cuts, which I voted against, for the wealthiest in our Nation; yet the maximum Pell grant has barely been increased since President Bush entered office. The Pell grant program is running a deficit. This deficit is likely to increase based on the likely outcome of this conference, and that is our concern. The President's record on Pell is clear. Pell grant funding has not been a priority since President Bush took office. Increases in this account have largely been due to Democratic efforts to raise funding. In order to ensure a well-educated workforce, we need to provide opportunities for all individuals to gain a college education. Low- and moderate-income individuals need Pell grants to attend college.”