Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the portion of this rule which would once again throw our student loan system into crisis. Congress' failure to address the student debt crisis has left American borrowers with over $1.6 trillion in student loans, and Pennsylvania borrowers hold some of the highest student debt in the Nation. This crippling burden is preventing generations of Americans from taking public service jobs, from buying homes and cars, and from fully participating in our economy. The resolution we are considering today does nothing to solve the student loan crisis. It would undermine the income-based repayment program authorized by Congress years ago and will create more chaos and confusion for student loan borrowers. Nearly 5.5 million borrowers across the country have enrolled in the SAVE plan in just the past 3 months. In my district alone, 13,700 people have signed up in anticipation of an average relief of $1,200 a year. If this resolution were to pass, millions of borrowers enrolled in this program will be left in limbo again, unsure how they can meet their student loan obligations and keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. Instead of shooting down every attempt to address this crisis, Congress must take action to provide comprehensive, long-term solutions to make higher education more affordable and simplify the repayment process for student loan borrowers. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this rule.”