[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       GENERAL DEBATE OF H.R. 609

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, with great disappointment, I 
rise to voice my opposition to H.R. 609, a bill to reauthorize the 
Higher Education Act.
  College affordability is the major issue for this generation of 
students and their families. A higher education is increasingly out of 
reach for too many in America and for those who do attend, the average 
student debt amount continues to grow. Many of us know how difficult it 
can be to finance a college education and we also know that this 
education is a key to a successful economic future.
  The Higher Education Act is one of the most important laws governing 
our Nation's education system because its intent is to create and 
improve access to college for millions of students each year. 
Discussion of this law should be focused on changes that will make 
college more affordable for all families and that will increase our 
global competitiveness. Instead the Republican leadership has put 
forward legislation that does nothing to increase the affordability of 
college and at the same time allows for-profit education companies 
access to limited education dollars.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is moving America in the wrong 
direction. While other nations around the world are investing in higher 
education, this Congress has passed a $12 billion cut to student aid--
the largest cut to students ever. That devastating cut, combined with 
the effort in this bill to eliminate fraud and abuse protections 
currently governing financial aid dollars, clearly show that the 
Majority has prioritized for-profit education companies over our 
students and our future.
  In addition, Republicans have included language to broaden federal 
influence over colleges and universities. This bill gives Congress a 
role in overseeing daily campus activities, including monitoring 
classroom discussions, reviewing student grades, and setting 
curriculum. This sets a dangerous precedent for what has historically 
been an issue of academic freedom for our higher education system.
  It is the American dream to have the opportunity to learn, to work in 
the career of your choice, and to succeed. If should not be the policy 
of the United States Government to limit the dreams of students. Mr. 
Speaker, I urge colleagues to reject H.R. 609 and to work for 
legislation that improves access to college and increase our ability to 
compete in the new global market. This is a priority for families and 
our communities and should be a priority for our leaders in Washington.

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