[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S572-S573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, on Martin Luther King Day, we celebrated 
a man and honored his legacy. It is an opportunity to recognize the 
movement he inspired and carry it forward with renewed energy. I 
consider his work and his words, striving to give them both new life.
  ``The arc of the moral universe is long,'' King said, ``but it bends 
towards justice.'' As a national community, we must never rest in the 
pursuit of that justice. We must always demand that our community 
leaders and elected officials pursue their work with compassion and 
integrity. This year, as we commemorate Dr. King's bold vision and 
great spirit, our Nation stands at a critical point along that arc.
  The American people called for a new direction and a new tone in 
Washington, DC. They put the politics of polarization aside and asked 
their representatives in Washington to focus instead on the issues that 
matter most. Too many hard-working Americans are struggling just to get 
by today. It is time to expand opportunity for all and ensure everyone 
has a real shot at the American dream.

[[Page S573]]

  The best guarantee of a good, secure job in today's increasingly 
competitive world is a quality education. But not everyone has that 
opportunity. I know what it is like to have a tough time affording 
college: With the help of Federal Pell grants, I was the first in my 
family to graduate from college. Today, a college education costs a 
small fortune, yet it is harder than ever to find help.
  Since 2001, tuition has increased by over 30 percent at the average 
4-year public school. Over the same period, family incomes have 
increased less than 6 percent. As the cost of college continues to rise 
and family incomes stagnate, more and more students are qualifying for 
Pell grants and other Federal student aid programs. We can't let a 
college education become a privilege just for the wealthy. We must 
ensure that families and students can afford college, regardless of 
their financial resources.
  That is why in the Senate, I am fighting to increase the maximum Pell 
grant to $5,100--an amount that actually keeps pace with costs. That is 
also why, on the first day of the 110th session of Congress earlier 
this month, I introduced legislation to permanently increase the amount 
that families can save annually for college and take as a tax 
deduction.
  On the same day, in that same spirit, I introduced other legislation 
to encourage employees to set aside money for their education costs and 
to encourage employers to provide matching funds through lifelong 
learning accounts. It is about investing in a more competitive America, 
a growing economy, and our common future. We are creating a better 
world for our businesses, our State, and most importantly our workers.
  The policies we choose to support reflect our priorities as a nation. 
When the middle-class gets squeezed from every side, it may be easiest 
to relent, accept the status quo, or give in to frustration. But we 
have a responsibility to fight back and to fight for something better. 
That is what Martin Luther King may have called infinite hope. We can 
honor King by coming together and making that promise a reality.

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