Political Quotes

“I believe that speedy enactment of H.R. 2535 is necessary for one reason, to help students, and to my mind no other reason need be offered. Suspension of the Direct Loan Consolidation Program initially left more than 84,000 students without the ability to consolidate their student loans. These are not simply numbers, they are real people who suddenly faced additional costs and difficulties in paying off their student loans. This crisis is something they should not have had to endure. While I believe the Department must bear the responsibility for suspension of this program, I applaud the progress it has made in approving the consolidation for almost 22,000 students since the program was suspended. I remain deeply concerned, however, that almost 34,000 students have withdrawn or have had their consolidation applications deactivated, and that another 30,000 students will continue to await approval of their applications. I have been informed that the Department expects to renew operation of its Loan Consolidation Program by December 1 of this year, and I am very hopeful that they will reach that target. We cannot afford another crisis for our students.”