Washington, D.C.-- Congress voted to honor the late Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island for the good work he did throughout his career in the Senate. I joined 414 of my colleagues Tuesday in supporting this honor, but a better way to honor him would be to increase the amount of Pell grants so more students can go to college.

Senator Pell is perhaps best known for his legislation creating grants to college students to assist them in getting a higher education, and known as Pell Grants. Congress must now make education a greater priority, and increase Pell grant funding from the current almost ridiculous range $523 to $4,731, escalating to a not much better $5,400 by the year 2012. Under the proposed stimulus package before Congress, another $500 would be added to the maximum loan amount.

College costs are rising but a college education is still one of the best investments America can make in its youth. I believe there should be more Pell grants made available for young people to advance their education. It will pay us back many times more than we invest.

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