[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S WORKING GROUP BUDGET

  (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong opposition to the 
Republicans' fiscal year 2007 budget resolution. It will hurt millions 
of women and children around our country. The resolution includes cuts 
to vital programs that help middle-class women, children, the elderly, 
and, in particular, Americans living in poverty.
  The budget will lead to cuts in funding for young women who need 
financial aid to go to college. As a result, young women will have a 
more difficult time attending college and pursuing their careers. The 
Perkins loans program is due to be cut dramatically. More than 450,000 
college students would lose a key part of their financial aid.
  Young women, and especially minority students, disproportionately 
rely on Pell Grants. I was one of those students myself. For example, 
40 percent of African American students will be affected, 30 percent of 
Hispanic students will have reduced Pell Grants compared to 23 percent 
of students overall.
  The aid is being cut while tuition costs are skyrocketing. The 
increase in the cost of tuition has increased by 57 percent under this 
President. Please do not support this Republican budget that would harm 
our students.

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