Rubén Hinojosa: “I rise in support of H.R. 1992, the Internet Equity and Education Act of 2001. This bill will help to expand access to…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1992, the Internet Equity and Education Act of 2001. This bill will help to expand access to higher education for many Americans who may or may not be able to attend a postsecondary institution for a variety of reasons. By supporting this effort we will encourage non-traditional students to use technology, and give potential students greater access to information on the availability of postsecondary education programs. I have listened carefully to the comments on both sides of the aisle regarding the issues on the potential risks to the quality of instruction and to maintaining a certain level of fiscal integrity for student financial aid. My own criticisms included the lack of minority participation in the on-going Department of Education study on distance education. In this regard, the Committee leadership has agreed with my request for a study by the General Accounting Office to focus on aspects of the bill and the status of distance education among Minority Serving Institutions.”