Mr. President, this amendment strikes a tax earmark that singles out one college in America from the university endowment tax set forth in the underlying bill. To be sure, I don't like the endowment tax in this bill. It diminishes the ability of colleges to provide scholarships to financially challenged students. But if the majority is intent on having an endowment tax, then no college should be exempted. The argument for the exemption is that this college doesn't take Federal funds. But remember why: They were sued in the 1980s for discriminatory practices, and they wanted to continue those practices. This school, Hillsdale College, does have powerful friends, including our Secretary of Education, but isn't that just the type of insider deal for the wealthy and well connected that we should oppose? A vote against this amendment is a vote for an earmark for a school with powerful friends and for subsidizing discrimination. A vote for my amendment is a vote to strike down such an earmark, a vote for fair treatment of schools, and a vote against discrimination, and I urge you to vote aye. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania.
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