U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) pushed to protect funding for Pell Grant Scholarships. Stressing the importance of educating our youth, Rahall stated, "To protect the country down the line we need educated leaders. You cannot have a 1st class Nation on a two bit education. I am fighting to ensure that America secures its future as a world leader by preparing our future leaders with a strong education."

Pell Grants, which provide nearly $13 billion dollars in aid to over five million students a year, are under attack by the Republican Administration. A cut has been made of more than $300 million in federal scholarships for the 2005-2006 school year. "In order to defend America in the future we must give our young people every opportunity to get a good education. In 20 years, these students will be running our country. Making cuts in education now puts our Nation's future in jeopardy," said Rahall.

Rahall is a cosponsor of H.R. 114, which would reverse the $300 million Pell Grant cut. The bill would ensure that no student would have their Pell Grant amount reduced as a result of the cut, including the over 32,000 West Virginians who receive nearly $90 million dollars from the Pell Grant. This reversal would allow the Department of Education to study the program without hurting families who already count on the scholarships to pay for college.

"How can we hope to compete or to secure our Nation in the world without arming our future with the tools and fire power needed to keep us strong," Rahall said.

"With the rising cost of college, these Pell Grants are increasingly important to college students. Finding the money to attend college is one of the struggles that more and more families encounter today," Rahall said. "I will continue to stand with the families of West Virginia to fight for our family values."