House-Passed Bill Makes College More Affordable
Provides Recovery Assistance to Schools Hit By Disaster and Enhances HBCU Capital Financing
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, today spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act which strengthens and reauthorizes our nation’s higher education programs. The legislation, which makes higher education more affordable and attainable for all Americans, was approved by a strong bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives today. Following is Clyburn’s floor speech.
“Mister Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Chairman Miller and his staff are to be commended for putting together a bill that will aid thousands of needy students.
“Mister Speaker, this legislation will ease the financial burdens being placed on working families paying high post-secondary education costs. Passage of this bill will make post-secondary education more attainable and affordable for all Americans.
“H.R. 4137 allows students to receive Pell Grants year round. This bill also provides incentives to those colleges and universities that work to limit their tuition increases.
“As a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, a Historically Black University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, I am pleased to see that this legislation enhances the HBCU Capital Financing Program’s lending levels and eligibility criteria.
“And in light of the hardships suffered by those students who had their schools destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this legislation establishes a program to help schools rebuild in the event of a natural disaster. This education package also helps colleges implement enhanced campus safety and disaster readiness plans.
“Our nation’s continued prosperity is dependent upon the investments that we make in securing the futures of our children and grandchildren. This legislation will help to maintain America’s strong global standing by providing our students with the tools and resources they need to be competitive in a transnational economy.
“I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back the balance of my time.”
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