Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pell grant, a Federal program named after my mentor, role model, and friend, the late Senator Claiborne Pell, who proudly served Rhode Island for 40 years in the United States Senate. Senator Pell was one of Rhode Island's finest statesmen who embodied the highest ideals of public service. He was also a fierce advocate of education and deeply believed in supporting the next generation of American leaders. In fact, one of the reasons I am here today is because of Senator Pell. When I interned in his office as a 19-year-old college student, Senator Pell placed his faith in me, and it was one of the things that inspired me to run for office myself. It is only fitting that the grant program which bears Senator Pell's name is now the single largest source of Federal grant aid for undergraduate students. Last year, over 6 million students received $27 billion in Pell grants to help them complete a college degree. Pell grants have made higher education accessible and affordable for tens of millions of Americans, which I know made Senator Pell enormously proud. Mr. Speaker, it has been 13 years since we lost Senator Pell, but his remarkable legacy lives on. ____________________”