U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives Tuesday to extend the Higher Education Act, strengthening the educational resources of America's colleges and universities and enhancing financial assistance opportunities for students in postsecondary and higher education.

"Higher education is the key to success in today's increasingly competitive economy," said Rahall. "The future of West Virginia's economy depends upon having a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. This legislation will make it easier for the best and brightest of West Virginia's students to get the higher education they need to succeed in the global economy."

The Higher Education Act aims to strengthen the American educational system through teacher quality enhancement grants, institutional aid grants, and student assistance grants, such as the Federal Family Education Loan Program, Federal Work-Study programs, and Perkins Loans.

"Today, we passed legislation that will continue to prevent financial barriers from blocking access to higher education for our country's most promising students," said Rahall.

Earlier this year, Congress, with Rahall's support, passed legislation providing for the single largest investment in college financial assistance since the 1944 GI Bill. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act increased college financial aid by more than $20 billion over the next five years and cut interest rates on subsidized student loans in half over the next four years.

"By making college more affordable for qualified students, we are helping to maintain America's status as an international leader," Rahall said. "Passage of the Higher Education Act is an investment not only in the future economy of America, but also in the security of America."