[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ADVANCING COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ACT OF 2013

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                               speech of

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3136) to 
     establish a demonstration program for competency-based 
     education:

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I submit an amendment to H.R. 3136, the 
Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act. My 
Amendment would require the Secretary of Education to report to 
Congress, once every ten years, the needs of limited English proficient 
students using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  Mr. Chair, I represent a substantial number of new Americans who have 
worked very hard to provide for their families and make a better life 
for their children. These children have worked hard, made good grades, 
and have earned their way into college. Like most Americans, they need 
help affording college. FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student 
Aid, is the key form that students and their parents need to fill out 
to determine the federal financial aid they qualify for.
  Applying for financial aid can be a difficult and confusing process 
for any student. When students and their families don't understand the 
financial obligations associated with student loans, they often waste 
their own money and government dollars.
  This is a particular problem for newer American students and their 
families, who can face significant language barriers when using FAFSA. 
These families often end up relying on for-profit companies that charge 
hundreds of dollars to help translate this free application.
  My amendment is an important step towards addressing the issues 
facing limited English proficient students. By requiring the Department 
of Education to report to Congress, we ensure greater transparency from 
the Administration on how they serve the needs of these students.

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