[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO RAISE THE DIALOGUE WHILE ENSURING COMPETITION AMONG THE FEDERAL 
                         STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, the Student Aid Reward Act (STAR) was 
drafted to provide additional funds for students to meet the ever 
rising costs of a higher education. Let me first note that I understand 
that there is a difference of opinion as to the calculation of the 
savings from this legislation and I hope we can reach an agreement on 
how to assess the real and actual costs of both programs before its 
enactment. As always, I believe it is important that all legislation 
needs to occur through the regular Committee process where all sides 
have the opportunity to participate. It is important to know that I 
strongly support diversity and competition within the Federal student 
loan system. Competition within the student loan system includes not 
only competition among Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) 
providers, but also competition between the two Federal student loan 
programs. Each of these programs should be run in a manner that 
provides the best products and services to students, while being good 
stewards of taxpayer funds. I hope that strong tradition continues and 
believe this bill will act as a catalyst for open and productive 
dialogue with the ultimate goal of ensuring students are provided the 
financial aid package that will meet their financial and customer 
service needs.
  The simple fact is that education is the single most important factor 
when it comes to equalizing opportunity and ensuring all students are 
able to achieve a better future. A well educated society is paramount 
to our global competitiveness and security here at home. Because 
education is so critical, I believe we have a duty to ensure it is 
available to all our citizens and we have an obligation to ensure we 
make thoughtful, careful and well informed decisions as the stewards of 
these critical financial aid programs.

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