[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 136 (Friday, September 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2007

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, while I was unavoidably absent during 
the final passage of the Conference Report to H.R. 2669, had I been 
present, I would have voted in support of the Conference Report. The 
College Cost Reduction Act will add nearly $11.5 billion for Pell 
Grants, which will directly help 5.5 million low-income students attend 
college. While I had serious concerns about much of the runaway 
spending included in the legislation, I supported this legislation 
because it is important that higher education become more accessible 
and affordable for working families. The Conference Report included 
measures to achieve this goal. I have long supported and was pleased to 
see substantial funding increases in particular for Pell Grants and 
TRIO/Upward Bound. As a parent and a grandparent, I understand the need 
to ensure students are afforded every opportunity to attend college.

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