[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION REVIEW ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Cost of Higher 
Education Review Act of 1997.
  In today's technology and information based economy, getting a high 
quality postsecondary education is more important than ever. For many 
Americans, it is the key to the American dream. As Chairman of the 
Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Federal higher education policy, I 
am responsible for the programs which provide Federal help in getting 
this education. However, my interest in higher education goes well 
beyond the role I play as Chairman. I am a parent and a grandparent. I 
know students who are pursuing or will pursue a postsecondary 
education. I have constituents, students and parents, who are worried 
about their ability to afford a college education.
  Historically, the cost of getting a postsecondary education has 
increased at a rate slightly above the cost of living. However, a 
recent GAO report tells us that over the last 15 years the price of 
attending a 4-year public college has increased 234 percent, while the 
median household income has risen by only 82 percent, and the CPI only 
74 percent. A recent survey of college freshmen found that concern over 
college affordability is at a 30-year high. Parents and students across 
the country are understandably worried about the rising cost of a 
college education. In order to control the cost of obtaining a college 
education, parents, students, and policy makers must work together with 
colleges and universities to slow tuition inflation, or for many 
Americans, college will become unaffordable.
  This is not to say that there are not affordable schools. There are 
still some affordable schools and there are college presidents who are 
committed to keeping costs low. There are schools that are trying very 
innovative things to reduce tuition prices.
  However, the trend in college pricing is truly alarming. This trend 
is especially alarming in that it only seems to apply to higher 
education. There are many endeavors and many businesses that must keep 
pace with changing technologies and Federal regulations. However, in 
order to stay affordable to their customers and stay competitive in the 
market, they manage to hold cost increases to a reasonable level.
  The legislation I am introducing today will establish a commission on 
the cost of higher

[[Page E826]]

education. This commission will have a very short life-span. Over a 4 
month period, the commission will study the reasons why tuitions have 
risen so quickly and dramatically, and report on what schools, the 
administration, and the Congress can do to stabilize or reduce 
tuitions.
  There is a great deal of conflicting information floating around the 
country with respect to college costs. This commission will be 
comprised of seven individuals with experience and expertise in 
business and business cost reduction programs, economics, and education 
administration. Their job will be to analyze this information and give 
us a true picture of why costs continue to outpace inflation and what 
can be done to stop this trend.
  Members of the commission will be appointed by the House and Senate 
leadership and the Secretary of Education. The commission will have 4 
months to perform its duties. The commission will then sunset within 2 
months of finishing its job. The cost for this commission will not 
exceed $650,000.
  Mr. Speaker, this year we will be reauthorizing the Higher Education 
Act, which will provide $35 billion this year alone in Federal student 
financial aid. As we go through this process, our goals will be to:
  Make higher education more affordable; Simplify the student aid 
system; and Stress academic quality.
  In order to update and improve the Higher Education Act in a way that 
truly helps parents and students, a thorough understanding of tuition 
trends will be essential. The legislation I'm introducing today will 
give us that information, and shed light on a topic which is of the 
utmost concern to our constituents. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
this effort, and to cosponsor this important legislation.

                          ____________________