Nick Rahall: “As a cosponsor of H.R. 3826, a bill that would prevent a sharp increase in interest rates on Direct Stafford Student…”

“As a cosponsor of H.R. 3826, a bill that would prevent a sharp increase in interest rates on Direct Stafford Student loans beginning in July, I am very much opposed to playing politics with this important issue. I do not believe we need to choose between cutting funds that provide much needed preventive health services and making college more affordable. I cannot understand the mentality that flirts with the idea of raising college costs and limiting access to health care for working middle-class families, while instinctively recoiling at the idea of closing tax loopholes for multinational conglomerates and the wealthiest Americans. This is exactly what infuriates the American public and why Congressional approval ratings are at record lows. I understand it's an election year and each side wants to score points at the other side's expense but every time we get into one of these debates with competing proposals we know will split the Congress and lead to gridlock, it chips away at the credibility of the institution. We must find a way to summon the will to get beyond the temptation to take cheap shots at the other side and put the interests of the American people first.”