On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
The President has promoted a policy to have 5 million new college graduates by 2020, and I commend the President for that goal. However, I have to stop and wonder, how are we going to achieve that mission if the Department of Education is going to put up roadblocks such as the proposed rules for gainful employment? In reality, career college also serves many purposes for many different people from all walks of life. This is not an issue of black or white, rural or urban, young or old, or Republican or Democrat. This is an issue of access to opportunity. I represent a very rural district in Pennsylvania. Many of my constituents don't have access to a community college, and they live a significant distance from any university. Many proprietary schools have sprung up out of necessity. Many students in Pennsylvania choose these schools because of their convenience. They realize that career colleges offer course work of all types and work to accommodate the busy schedules that we all have. They realize that life does not just stop for 4 years so that you can go to a school. And they realize these institutions will give them the skills they need to enter the workforce and earn a decent living. Mr. Chairman, I have concerns that the Department of Education has stepped way beyond its authority and begun determination of an arbitrary ruling on gainful employment. I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
