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

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

I plan to introduce an innovative amendment when we go to marking up this legislation.

Congress and the federal government must make student loan repayment options easier for students and families to navigate.

I applaud President Obama and Secretary Duncan for working to make college costs more transparent.

While I clearly understand the need to hold a hearing on innovation in higher education, our committee and Congress, it seems to me, cannot continue to neglect students and families and allow colleges to become more expensive and not…

I want to ask you, Mr. Secretary, looking at the Republican party's Paul Ryan proposed budget would most likely result in significant cuts to federal education programs that I am talking about.

I am pleased that President Obama's proposed 2014 budget makes strategic investment in early learning and also on K-12 and higher education.

I congratulate you.

The sequester is totally unnecessary and illustrates a lack of political courage by Members of Congress.

I believe that to take these particular non-bank institutions out of the jurisdiction of the Bureau is premature.