[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H11850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEMOCRATS TRYING TO EASE THE PAIN OF MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES BY MAKING 
                           COLLEGE AFFORDABLE

  (Mr. CLEAVER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity 
to address the House. I am excited to be a Democrat. I always take 
pleasure in giving reasons for why I am a member of the Democratic 
Party.
  Since taking control of Congress, Democrats have worked to pass 
legislation that will help families once again live the American Dream. 
Over the last 6 years, college costs have shot up 40 percent, putting 
higher education out of reach for most Americans. I have one son in 
college today, and I can tell you I am excited over the fact that we 
passed, and the President did, in fact, sign the College Cost Reduction 
Act of 2007. This law is the single largest increase in college aid 
since the GI Bill. It strengthens the middle class by cutting interest 
rates in half and subsidizes student loans over the next 5 years. We 
are also able, in this bill, to increase the maximum Pell Grant 
scholarships by $500.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased and I am excited to be a Democrat.

                          ____________________