However, due to their financial trouble in recent years, we have seen attempts to not just reform them, but wind them down completely, and I don't agree with that.

As a senior member of this committee, I believe that we should spend more of the committee's time on helping to strengthen the middle class.

The focus of today's hearing is a real disappointment to me.

Financial literacy is truly a bipartisan cause.

We share a belief in the power of financial literacy to decrease inequality and increase financial stability.

A bipartisan reauthorization of the Perkins Act would ensure that students are equipped with the education and skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving 21st century economy.

I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to listen closely to Alan Aleman's testimony, to open up their hearts and minds, and to demonstrate compassion for the thousands of hardworking DREAMers.

While congressional Democrats are committed to comprehensive immigration reform and passing the DREAM Act, the Republican majority has stalled these efforts.

I strongly believe that all schools, including charter schools, should offer a high-quality education and serve all students equitably.

In the past several years, Democrats have fought to make college more affordable by increasing the Pell Grant award by at least $1,600.

Today's hearing is an opportunity to discuss ways in which Congress can strengthen the federal Pell Grant program, not to weaken it.