Political Quotes

“Unfortunately, a previous commitment has prevented me from voting today, but if I had the opportunity, I would have voted against the legislation. It is abundantly clear that Congress needs to do something to keep student interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million college students in the coming year. Ensuring that education is widely accessible is vital to growing the U.S. economy and to expanding opportunities for all Americans. The growing burden of higher education costs is an issue that everyone should be concerned about and threatens to limit future economic growth. We must not burden graduates with unmanageable college debt as they seek to launch a career or a business, start a family, or buy a house. That's why Democrats have been pushing Republicans for weeks to do something to provide students and families with certainty as they look ahead to the 2012 2013 school year. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3826, which would permanently keep interest rates for student Stafford loans at 3.4 percent. Taking action to stop the doubling of these rates will save students $1,000, on average, over the life of their loans. There is a clear national interest in enacting this legislation and broad support from my constituents.…”