[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H3800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RISING COLLEGE EDUCATION COSTS

  (Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, attention students: since 
the Bush administration took office in 2001, tuition and fees at 4-year 
public colleges have increased by 40 percent, forcing more and more 
students and their families to take out Federal loans. The typical 
student borrower now graduates from college with a record of $7,500 
debt, which they must start paying months after they graduate.
  But thanks to the Bush administration, come July 1, interest rates 
will be raised by 7 percent, and for the parents 7.8 percent. To avoid 
adding potential thousands of dollars to the life of their loans, 
students and parents with Federal student loans should consolidate now 
before the July 1 rates take effect and lock in interest rates as low 
as 4.75 percent.
  To circumvent increases caused by the Republican raid on student 
loans, a tax on student loans, borrowers should call the Department of 
Education at 1-800-557-7392. I repeat, to avoid this, call 1-800-557-
7392.

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