[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 136 (Thursday, October 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION RELIEF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS 
                              ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 11, 2001

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce the Higher 
Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001. This 
legislation is simple in its purpose. It grants the Secretary of 
Education specific waiver authority within Title IV of the Higher 
Education Act to provide necessary relief to those affected by the 
recent attacks on America and any subsequent attacks. This waiver 
authority addresses the need to assist students who are being called up 
to active duty, those active duty military being relocated, and those 
students directly affected by the attacks.
  Mr. Speaker, our citizens have been dramatically affected by the 
attacks of September 11th. The Higher Education Relief Opportunities 
for Students Act of 2001 provides the Secretary of Education the 
ability to provide relief to affected individuals and institutions 
where it is deemed necessary while ensuring the integrity of student 
assistance programs. The Secretary may relax repayment obligations for 
our active duty armed forces, provide a period of time victims and 
their families may reduce or delay monthly student loan payments, and 
assist institutions and lenders with reporting requirements.
  This bill is specific in its intent--to ensure that as a result of 
the attacks on the United States on September 11th, and the resulting 
national emergency declared by the President on September 14th: 
Affected borrowers of Federal student loans are not in a worse 
financial position, administrative requirements on affected individuals 
are minimized without affecting the integrity of the programs, current 
year income of affected individuals is used to determine need for 
purposes of financial assistance, and institutions and organizations 
participating in the Federal student aid programs that are affected by 
the attacks may receive temporary relief from certain administrative 
requirements.
  This legislation will provide relief for the men and women of our 
military who are defending the freedoms of this great nation. As 
families send loved ones into harms way, the Higher Education Relief 
Opportunities for Students Act will allow the Secretary of Education to 
reduce some of the effects of that upheaval here at home.
  The Secretary of Education will report to Congress on the impact of 
the waivers implemented as a result of this bill and he will also 
provide recommendations for changes to statutory or regulatory 
provisions that were the subject of the waivers invoked.
  I am proud and delighted that 71 of my colleagues have signed on as 
original cosponsors of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for 
Students Act. It is an indication of the Congress's commitment to our 
military and to our students and families, as well as to those on the 
front lines of making higher education available. I look forward to 
swift passage of this legislation.

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