[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION RELIEF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS 
                         ACT OF 2003--H.R. 1412

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                            HON. JOHN KLINE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce, along with several 
of my colleagues, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for 
Students Act, HEROES, of 2003. This is a bill that expresses the 
support and commitment of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 
troops who protect and defend the United States. Specifically this bill 
provides authority to the Secretary of Education to assist students 
whose lives are being disrupted by being called to serve in the Armed 
Forces.
  This bill is simple in its purpose. It extends the specific waiver 
authority within title IV of the Higher Education Act for the Secretary 
of Education, and allows him 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 a time of 
national emergency. This waiver authority addresses the need to assist 
students who are being called up to active duty or active service.
  This bill is specific in its intent--to ensure that as a result of a 
war, military contingency operation or a national emergency: Affected 
borrowers of Federal student assistance 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 may be used to determine need for 
purposes of financial assistance; and the Secretary is provided the 
authority to address issues not yet foreseen.
  The bill also urges all postsecondary institutions to continue their 
support and commitment to their students by providing 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 families, 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 deploy and return to the classroom.
  As families send loved ones abroad to defend our Nation, 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.
  I am proud and delighted that a number 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 who 
make higher education available. I look forward to swift passage of 
this legislation.

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