[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1862-E1863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 6, HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, through bipartisan efforts, we have 
before us a piece of legislation which will assist students, teachers, 
parents and educational administrators for the next five years. As an 
educator and former educational administrator, I know that components 
of the bill, such as increasing Pell Grant limits and lowering interest 
rates on student loans, provide students the security of pursuing their 
educational goals without fear of financial constraints. Improving 
teacher quality and strengthening minority institutions of higher 
education is also a strong signal that the United States is committed 
to enhancing student education as well as leveling the playing field 
for students by continuing to assist historically disadvantaged student 
populations.
  The Conference Report on HR 6 also contains language which would 
extend Pell Grant

[[Page E1863]]

eligibility to the Freely Associated States (FAS) until 2004. I remind 
my colleagues that the FAS were formerly the Trust Territories of the 
Pacific Islands administered by the United States under a United 
Nations Trusteeship. Our special relationship with the FAS encompasses 
a wide range, from defense to trade to education. I commend the House 
and Senate conferees for reaching sufficient agreement to continue 
extending federal educational programs to FAS students at least until 
after the renegotiation of the Compacts of Free Association scheduled 
to begin in the year 2000. The FAS, composed of the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of 
Palau, are vital security allies in the Pacific and each have separate 
agreements with the United States which would allow for their 
eligibility in the Pell, College Work Study and the Supplemental 
Educational Opportunity Programs.
  Mr. Speaker, education is a universal necessity. I think that HR 6 is 
testimony that this body is committed to continuing quality higher 
education. I urge my colleagues to support HR 6.

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