On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
Americans need jobs. Up until now, Republicans have ignored this problem, and now they're making it worse. Our Nation's large and unsustainable budget deficit is staring us in the face, but it is at critical moments like this when we must approach our Nation's greatest challenges with responsibility and prudence. The approach we take must focus on responsible cuts, which will have a lasting impact on the deficit, not arbitrary short-term cuts to programs that are needed to prepare the next generation of American workers and taxpayers. Consider the effects of the bill before us on Specialist John Carabillo from my home State of New Mexico. Specialist Carabillo served in the Army for 6 years, and he was deployed to Iraq twice during his service. He then enlisted with the National Guard, and served an additional tour in Iraq. After returning to New Mexico, Specialist Carabillo decided he wanted to go back to school and earn his degree in IT. The Pell Grant scholarships and GI benefits Specialist Carabillo receives have allowed him to enroll in an associate's program at a vocational school. When he graduates, he hopes to find an IT job at Kirtland Air Force Base. The Republican bill would cut Specialist Carabillo's Pell Grant scholarship. This cut in his financial aid means that he will have to take fewer courses this year and graduate later, try to take a loan he can't afford or drop out of school.
