[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2329-E2330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STUDENT AID AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration of the bill (H.R. 3221) to 
     amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3221, the 
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. This legislation makes 
urgently-needed investments in our education system by helping students 
and their families pay for college, modernizing schools and curricula, 
and training our future workforce for the 21st Century.
  H.R. 3221 will provide reliable, affordable, high-quality federal 
student loans for all families. Beginning July 1, 2010, all new federal 
student loans will be originated through the Direct Loan Program, which 
is insulated from market swings and can guarantee students access to 
low-cost federal loans in any economy.
  I am also pleased that $40 billion of the money saved from switching 
all loans to the Direct Loan Program will go to boosting Pell Grants. 
Over the next ten years, this measure will invest more than $154.6 
million in Rhode Island to increase the maximum annual Pell Grant 
scholarships to $5,550 in 2010 and to $6,900 by 2019. In the 2010-2011 
academic school year, this will help nearly 12,000 eligible students in 
my congressional district.
  Far too many students face unnecessary barriers when it comes to 
pursuing a college degree. This measure will make it easier to apply 
for financial aid by simplifying the FAFSA form, which many families 
find confusing and overly burdensome, and allowing applicants to use 
the information on their tax returns. Meanwhile, under this bill, Rhode 
Island will receive $3.8 million over the next five years for the 
College Access Challenge Grant program, which will bolster college 
access and completion support programs, increase financial literacy 
education, and help retain and graduate students.
  H.R. 3221 also strengthens our state's seven community colleges that 
teach more than 15,000 students each year. Community colleges excel at 
meeting the needs of students from all backgrounds and work with 
businesses to ensure students have the skills they need to fulfill 
local workforce needs. This

[[Page E2330]]

measure will establish a competitive grant program for community 
colleges to raise graduation rates, modernize facilities, and create 
new online learning opportunities.
  This legislation not only invests in our college students, but also 
focuses on the next generation of students by ensuring that all 
children have the preparation and skills they need on their very first 
day of school. By creating the Early Learning Challenge Fund, 
competitive grants will be awarded to states that implement 
comprehensive reform of birth-to-five early learning programs. H.R. 
3221 also provides more than $13.7 million over the next two years to 
Rhode Island school districts for school modernization, renovation and 
repair projects that will create healthier, safer and more energy-
efficient teaching and learning climates.
  Madam Chair, this measure will have long-term benefits for our 
economy. Going forward, we must continue to build upon these advances 
so the next generation is encouraged to pursue their dreams.

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