[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF 
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE TROOPS SERVING TO PROTECT AND 
 DEFEND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY ENCOURAGING ACTIONS TO EXTEND 
AND PROTECT THEIR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION--H. 
                                RES. 158

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KLINE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a resolution 
expressing the support and commitment of the U.S. House of 
Representatives for the troops who are serving to protect and defend 
the United States. More specifically, the resolution encourages actions 
to extend and protect the postsecondary student financial aid monies of 
these soldiers during this uncertain time.
  This resolution is simple in its purpose. Following the attacks of 
September 11, 2001, Congress passed the HEROES Act of 2001, which 
allowed the Secretary of Education to work with affected borrowers, 
lenders and institutions of higher education to grant flexibility 
surrounding student financial aid matters. This resolution urges the 
Secretary of Education to maintain his commitment to our men and women 
in uniform by providing assistance and flexibility as they transfer in 
and out of postsecondary education during this uncertain time.
  The resolution also urges all postsecondary institutions to provide a 
full refund of tuition, fees and other charges to students who are 
members of the Armed Forces or are serving on active duty, including 
the Reserves and National Guard. Many times, America's military are 
also students. They are called away from their class work and studies 
to serve our nation's national defense. These heroes deserve the 
flexibility and accommodations that institutions of higher education 
can provide as they are leaving for active duty and returning to the 
classroom.
  Lastly, this resolution urges lending institutions that hold or 
service Federal student loans for borrowers who have been called to 
serve the nation's defense to provide all available benefits and 
flexibility to these servicemen and women. When these servicemen and 
women return to the United States, we don't want to put them in a worse 
position financially because of the time they were overseas serving our 
nation.
  I hope my colleagues join me in expressing the Congress's commitment 
to our military and to our students and families.

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