Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4628. While I fully support extending the Subsidized Stafford student loan interest rate of 3.4 percent, the cost of it should not defund efforts to reduce health disparities, especially for America's women and children. I am glad the Majority in the House recognizes the need to extend the interest rate but they are toying with students by tying the extension to the elimination of the Prevention and Public Health Fund. Already this Fund has awarded more than $62 million to New York State to combat obesity and tobacco use, prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and train the State's public health workforce to meet modern health care needs. These and other critical services, including screenings for breast and cervical cancer, are being offered all across the country. I am committed to the House Minority's effort to prevent the student loan rate from doubling for millions of Americans. My Congressional district is home to numerous colleges and universities, and I know the amount of debt that students incur by attending these schools. Federal loan and aid opportunities are critical to giving students the opportunity to pursue higher education. In his 2012 State of the Union, President Obama called on the Congress to advance new reforms to address the rising costs of college so that the American workforce is prepared for 21st century jobs. Now is the time to work to make college accessible and affordable.…”