[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 159 (Friday, September 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DEFER STUDENT LOANS FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT

  (Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, LaQuisha Anthony, a 
Philadelphia native, was an undergraduate track star at Kutztown 
University in my district. Horrifically, in her freshman year, she was 
sexually assaulted.
  LaQuisha was forced to withdraw from her studies to focus on her 
recovery. She faced crushing student loan debt, and when repayments 
began, she ultimately defaulted.
  Heartbreakingly, LaQuisha's story is not uncommon. Many survivors are 
not afforded enough time, space, or peace to heal. That is why I am 
reintroducing the Student Loan Deferment for Sex-Based Harassment 
Survivors Act to provide a compassionate, sensible exception to the 
student loan repayment policy.
  This bill would allow survivors of sexual harassment, stalking, and 
assault to pause student loan payments for up to 3 years so they can 
focus on their mental and physical well-being. This pause is practical. 
Without it, many like LaQuisha are unable to return to school because 
of outstanding loans, but with time to heal, survivors can get a fresh 
start.
  Today, LaQuisha is a dedicated advocate in preventing sexual assault 
and supporting survivors, including her support of this bill.
  Let her work be our light. Let us pass this legislation.

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