[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 2, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2127) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1996, and for other purposes:

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Chairman, generation after generation of children 
have been told that a college education is the key to the American 
dream. Well, perhaps we were wrong, or perhaps it is that we did not 
realize that that advice is outdated. Just look at what the majority is 
doing to financial aid. Then, my colleagues you determine what is the 
best advice you have for America's over 6 million college students who 
must depend on financial aid to attend college.
  The $158 million cut in Perkins loans would eliminate support to 
approximately 150,000 needy college students. The elimination of 
funding for the State Student Incentive Grant Program, means that over 
200,000 college students would be denied the financial assistance they 
need. And, if this injury is not enough, the Republicans are working to 
derail the direct student loan program.
  I guess my colleagues would tell these students that the States will 
pitch in, well the students and the States are too smart to fall for 
that one. In fact, 18 percent of the States expect to have to eliminate 
their need-based student aid program, and 82 percent expect to be 
forced to reduce the number and amount of awards.
  Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues not to derail our young 
people's future, vote ``no'' against H.R. 2127.


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