[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT 132 TO H.R. 1, CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2011

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. I rise today in opposition to the CR put forward by my 
Republican colleagues, and in support of the amendment offered by Ms. 
Chu of California, which would restore full funding to the Pell Grant 
program.
  H.R. 1 makes severe cuts to student aid programs in a time of tuition 
increases and tough economic standings. These cuts will impose an even 
heavier burden on many students and families. Specifically, this bill 
makes the largest cut the Pell Grant program, more than 15 percent.
  The Federal Pell Grant program provides much needed financial support 
for more than nine million students nationwide and makes. This 
amendment would specifically maintain the maximum award level for Pell 
Grants at $5,550.
  Pell Grant are solely based on an individual's financial needs and 
are not required to be paid back. They are an effective mechanism to 
help students offset the expensive costs of text books, room and board, 
and school supplies.
  For many, this grant makes the difference between attending college 
or dropping out because they don't have the money to afford tuition or 
books. Yet we know that access to higher education is critical to our 
nation's economic competitiveness.
  We need to do be more to encourage students to pursue education. 
Unfortunately, this legislation will only set us backwards.
  This funding is crucial for students in my district and these drastic 
cuts will have an adverse affect on our nation's ability to be an 
economic leader. Maintaining access to quality and affordable education 
is a vital priority.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment and against 
this C.R.

                          ____________________