[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E938-E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF A HOUSE RESOLUTION DISAGREEING WITH THE 
       ADMINISTRATION'S POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTION RATINGS SYSTEM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2014

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, the diversity within our Nation's 
postsecondary education system is the envy of the world. Colleges and 
universities across the United States of America are preparing 
individuals to become doctors, teachers, scientists, counselors, 
entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and hundreds of other occupations. 
While each student chooses a specific field of study, there is no doubt 
that postsecondary education has many benefits outside of training in a 
specified field. Institutions are cultivating individuals who are 
civically engaged and who are going into public service, the military, 
ministry, non-profit work, or are staying at home to care for family. 
We cannot measure the benefits associated with these types of life-long 
lessons, and

[[Page E939]]

yet that is what the Administration's proposed Postsecondary 
Institutions Ratings System will attempt to do.
  On December 17, 2013 the Department of Education solicited in the 
Federal Register a Request for Information on the Postsecondary 
Institution Ratings System (PIRS), suggesting that the Federal 
Government knows better than students and their families what makes a 
college or university valuable and appropriate for each individual. A 
rating system, administered by the Federal Government and potentially 
tied to Federal student aid, will drive postsecondary institutions to 
standardization, thereby decreasing choice, diversity, and innovation.
  I rise today in opposition to this proposal and instead stand in 
support of students and their families--they know best what will meet 
their educational needs. The House Resolution I offered today with my 
friend, Congressman Capuano, strongly supports the quality and value of 
diversity in our higher education system and strongly disagrees with 
the Administration's proposal to rate our Nation's colleges and 
universities.
  It is true that all taxpayer dollars, including those spent on 
Federal student aid, should be spent efficiently; however, it is also 
important that we trust students' free choices and allow for 
postsecondary institutions to be evaluated, not only by their 
accreditation and Federal eligibility for federal aid, but also by the 
free market choices of the students they are competing for.
  Our Nation's colleges and universities are as diverse as our 
students. Historically black colleges, women's colleges, faith-based 
colleges, research universities, career training schools, work 
colleges, land grant universities, institutes for the arts, and other 
specialized institutions all offer a world of opportunity and 
innovation in postsecondary education. We must protect this American 
tradition and reject any proposal that will intentionally, or 
unintentionally, destroy it.

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