Culberson: “Not only is it fully paid for, it also reduces the deficit by $6 billion dollars.”
Washington, DC – Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) issued the following statement after the House approved H.R. 4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act that would extend current student loan interest rates by a vote of 215-195:
“We are in this mess because Democrats failed to listen to House Republicans back in 2002 when we recommended using variable interest rates rather than fixed interest rates for student loans. If student interest rates had remained variable, today the interest rates on student loans would be 2.36 percent.
“Today, House Republicans have provided a fix that will help hard working middle class families during difficult economic times. Our fix will prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1 and ensure that a college education remains within reach for today’s students.
“In addition to helping students afford college, today’s bill is fiscally responsible. Not only is it fully paid for, it also reduces the deficit by $6 billion dollars.
“We are facing a financial cliff, and the only way to preserve the American way of life for our children and future generations is to reduce wasteful federal spending and pay down our deficit. Today’s bill is a step in the right direction.”
