[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10819-10823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 334) supporting the goals and 
ideals of National Community College Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 334

       Whereas there are more than 1,200 community colleges in the 
     United States;
       Whereas there are more than 11 million students enrolled in 
     for-credit and not-for-credit programs at community colleges 
     nationwide;
       Whereas in 2007, community colleges in the United States 
     will award more than 500,000 associate's degrees and 270,000 
     associate's certificates;
       Whereas community colleges have educated more than 
     100,000,000 people in the United States since the first 
     community college was founded in 1901;
       Whereas community college students are a more diverse group 
     in terms of age, income, race, and ethnicity than students 
     attending traditional colleges and universities, making 
     community colleges essential to providing access to 
     postsecondary education;
       Whereas community colleges enrich and enhance communities 
     across the country, socially, culturally, and politically;
       Whereas community colleges are affordable and close to home 
     for most people in the United States;
       Whereas community colleges allow many older students to 
     take courses part-time while working full-time, creating 
     opportunities that otherwise would not be available;
       Whereas community colleges provide job training for workers 
     who have lost their jobs or are hoping to find better jobs, 
     helping millions of people in the United States support 
     themselves and their families;
       Whereas community colleges contribute more than 
     $31,000,000,000 annually to the Nation's economic growth and, 
     by helping to provide a skilled workforce, are critical to 
     our Nation's continued success and prosperity in the global 
     economy of the 21st century; and
       Whereas the American Association of Community Colleges, the 
     Association of Community College Trustees, and more than 
     1,200 community colleges nationwide recognize April as 
     National Community College Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Community 
     College Month; and
       (2) congratulates the Nation's community colleges, and 
     their students, governing boards, faculty, and staff, for 
     their contributions to education and workforce development, 
     and for their vital role in ensuring a brighter, stronger 
     future for the Nation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Platts) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative 
days during which Members may insert materials relevant to H. Res. 334 
into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from North Carolina 
(Mr. Miller) for introducing this resolution and for the work he has 
done.
  This month is recognized as National Community College Month. 
Community colleges represent much of what is great about America. 
Diverse, dynamic and innovative, open and inclusive, they are one of 
America's greatest inventions.
  The first community college, Joliet Junior College, opened its doors 
almost 100 years ago in Illinois. It was one of the many that sprung up 
in the early 20th century amid worries that America could not remain 
competitive without a better educated workforce.

[[Page 10820]]

  Policymakers and educators sensed that one of the barriers keeping 
students from keeping their education was that they were unable or 
unwilling to leave home. And so a network of community colleges was set 
up to encourage more students to earn college degrees or obtain 
specialized training. Today, over 11 million students are enrolled in 
America's 1,200 community colleges.
  Community colleges educate over half of the country's undergraduate 
students. Community college open enrollment policies mean that they 
welcome all students regardless of wealth, heritage, or previous 
academic experience. As a result, community colleges are more diverse 
in terms of age, income, race and ethnicity than traditional colleges 
and universities. They enroll students from all over the world.
  About 40 percent of all international undergraduates in the United 
States attend our community colleges. By bringing people from all walks 
of life together to learn from one another, these schools enrich and 
enhance our communities.
  Community colleges educate over half of the new nurses and 65 percent 
of new health care workers. They are also responsible for the education 
of 50 percent of teachers and close to 85 percent of our emergency 
responders.
  Community colleges retrain workers who have lost their jobs, those 
looking to change fields mid-career or reenter the workforce after an 
extended absence, and high school students hoping to get a head start 
on college credit or take a course not offered in the regular 
curriculum.
  Because of all that they have done for this country, on this day we 
would like to thank our Nation's community colleges and recognize the 
dedication of their facilities and staff for helping to educate our 
Nation's students.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution to support the goals and 
ideals of National Community College Month.
  Community colleges are centers of educational opportunity. For over 
100 years, they have been inclusive institutions that welcome all who 
desire to learn, regardless of wealth, heritage or previous academic 
experience.

                              {time}  1330

  Since their creation, community colleges have grown tremendously in 
numbers and have changed with the times. According to the American 
Association of Community Colleges, there are over 1,000 community 
colleges in this country serving about 11 million students. No other 
segment of higher education is more responsive to its community and 
workforce needs than the community college.
  The community colleges help provide the country with professionals in 
fields like computer technology, law enforcement, homeland security, 
nursing and other health care fields. About 50 percent of new nurses 
are educated at community colleges, and close to 80 percent of 
firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medicine 
technicians received their credentials from community colleges.
  Not only do community colleges serve a unique role in graduating 
students with specific skills, but they are also extremely affordable. 
Tuition and fees at public community colleges average less than half of 
those at public 4-year colleges and one-tenth the tuition and fees at 
independent 4-year colleges.
  In my congressional district, the Harrisburg Area Community College 
is a shining example of the important and successful role of community 
colleges in our Nation's higher education system. In fact, I am 
fortunate to have two branches of the Harrisburg Area Community College 
in my congressional district, in York and Gettysburg. Graduates from 
HACC begin careers in fields currently experiencing shortages such as 
nursing, early childhood education, and law enforcement. I have seen 
firsthand the successful partnerships created between the community 
college and local businesses.
  We hope to continue to build on the support being given to community 
colleges through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The 
reauthorization is an opportunity to look at every program individually 
and determine if it is helping us meet our goal of providng a quality 
and affordable post-secondary education to every American.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring the goals 
and ideals of National Community College Month.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 
minutes to my colleague, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York.
  As cochair of the House Community College Caucus, I rise in strong 
support of H. Res. 334, a bill that recognizes the goals and ideals of 
National Community College Month; and I thank Congressman Brad Miller, 
the gentleman from North Carolina, for his leadership and for 
introducing this legislation.
  Almost 50 percent of undergraduate students are enrolled in community 
colleges. It is the tradition of community colleges to serve 
nontraditional students. Many students work either part-time or full-
time while they take classes. Others are seeking job training to allow 
them to better support their families. Some are returning to the 
workplace after a few years, and some are single parents. Increasingly, 
many are high school students who attend community college before a 4-
year institution. This saves them, and frequently taxpayers, tuition, 
fees and financial aid dollars. In other words, we have no sector of 
education that serves a wider spectrum of our citizens every day.
  As we look to what this new century holds for us, we know that 
employers seek people who not only are well versed in science and 
technology concepts but are also adept at learning through 
experimentation, inquiry, critical examination, and discovery. In other 
words, employers are seeking a highly trainable workforce, rather than 
just a highly trained workforce.
  Community colleges are at the forefront of this effort. They are a 
cornerstone of our system of undergraduate education, particularly in 
mathematics and the sciences. As we all know, these areas of study are 
ever more critical for our Nation and our State to maintain an economic 
edge in the global economy.
  I strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do so as 
well.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield 8 minutes to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller), the sponsor of this 
resolution.
  Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today as the 
sponsor of this resolution to support and celebrate the ideals of 
National Community College Month.
  I am very proud to offer this resolution as one of the cochairs of 
the House Community College Caucus, and I am pleased to be joined with 
three cosponsors, the other three Chairs of that caucus, Mr. Wu of 
Oregon, who just spoke, Mr. Castle of Delaware and Mr. Wicker of 
Mississippi. I would also like to thank Chairman George Miller and 
Ranking Member McKeon of the Education and Labor Committee, both of 
whom are also original cosponsors of this resolution, and without whose 
support this measure would not be before us today.
  Madam Speaker, there are now 11 million Americans enrolled in more 
than 1,200 community colleges across the country; and in the past 
century since the first community college opened its doors, more than 
100 million Americans have taken courses at community colleges. 
Community colleges have developed a tradition and a purpose that is 
distinct from that of traditional 4-year colleges and universities.
  Community colleges are distinct from 4-year colleges in many 
respects. They are regionally accredited, post-

[[Page 10821]]

secondary schools. The highest credential awarded by a community 
college is that of an associate degree. In fact, Madam Speaker, many 
Americans who did not get a high school diploma go back to community 
colleges to get their GED.
  The community college system in my State, and in most States, offers 
a comprehensive curriculum, including transfer, technical and 
continuing education programs. The community college system in North 
Carolina has 58 separate community-based institutions that collectively 
offer more than 2,200 curriculum programs.
  Beyond that curriculum, Madam Speaker, what most distinguishes 
community colleges from 4-year colleges is their accessibility or 
affordability, their location, their diversity and how intensely 
relevant the training and the education community colleges provide for 
the ability of working Americans to improve their job skills, 
particularly in a changing economy as we go through a painful economic 
transition, certainly in my State but also in the entire country.
  The distinctions between community colleges and 4-year colleges are 
fundamental to the core mission and success of America's community 
colleges; and with the month of April, we have the chance to celebrate 
those distinctions and recognize Community College Month.
  Community colleges are frequently referred to as ``the people's 
colleges'' because they have open-door admission policies; and while 
that is true, they are accurately described as people's colleges for 
many reasons.
  Madam Speaker, students that attend community colleges are more 
diverse than those enrolled in any other kind of college or university. 
Of the 11.6 million students enrolled in community colleges across the 
country today, more than one-third are members of racial or ethnic 
minority groups, and roughly 60 percent are women. Of the more than 5 
million or so students who are enrolled full-time at community 
colleges, 76 percent, or more than three-quarters, are working; and 
about one-third are working full-time while carrying a full-time 
community college course load. There is an equal number or greater 
number of community college students who are going to community 
colleges attending community colleges part-time also while working 
full-time and fulfilling the responsibilities of their family and of 
their home.
  Community colleges are affordable. The average annual tuition at a 
community college is only about half that of a 4-year public. In 
addition, community colleges are close to home and students can stay at 
home, live at home. They do live at home so they save money on room, 
board, transportation, all the other expenses associated with community 
colleges.
  Students at community colleges mirror the communities that support 
them, and that is nowhere more evident than in the age of the students. 
The average age of a community college student is almost 30. More than 
57 percent of those enrolled in community colleges are older than 22, 
the traditional age that students graduate from college, and more than 
16 percent are past the age of 40. In North Carolina, there are 368,000 
students between the ages of 25 and 50 enrolled in community colleges.
  Community college curricula are intensely relevant to the needs of 
American business and to the needs of American workers in having the 
skills that they need to support themselves and support their families, 
whether it is construction trades, the skills needed to do construction 
trades or computer programs, computer spreadsheet, all the different 
computer programs that any American officer worker is going to need, 
and frequently when they need to learn a new one, they can go part-time 
to a community college nearby and learn the skills they need for their 
job.
  In North Carolina, almost every community college has a curriculum 
that is specifically geared, designed for an industry, a major employer 
in that area. When I was first elected to Congress, I visited the 
extrusion campus of Wake Technical College. Extrusion is a process by 
which plastic is pulled like taffy. In just the 5 years or 4\1/2\ years 
I have been in Congress, that technology has lost jobs. In just the 
4\1/2\ years I have been in Congress, extrusion technologies have taken 
a hit.
  We have lost jobs; but at that same community college, they now have 
a program in computer gaming. Americans will spend more on computer 
gaming this year than they will spend on movie box offices. Computer 
gaming is becoming more and more important in providing educational 
opportunities in a format that most Americans, younger Americans, are 
very familiar with. That industry is developing around Wiley. The 
community college curriculum is going to be part of what attracts new 
gaming companies to that area as well as supporting the ones that are 
there now.
  So community colleges through open admission, affordability, 
community-based training are playing an amazingly important role in the 
American economy and have to do even more so.
  I have asked two chairmen of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan 
Greenspan and Ben Bernanke, about how we can close the income 
inequality of Americans; and both of them have mentioned specifically 
community colleges in the role they need to play in providing Americans 
the skills that they need to demand better wages, to be able to get 
better wages in the American economy and in the world economy.
  Despite that importance, in the 4\1/2\ years I have been here, it has 
been a fight to get support for community colleges; and it has been 25 
years since we have even had a resolution like this on the floor of 
Congress honoring the role of community colleges. It was 1985 during 
the 99th Congress that this Congress specifically recognized and 
honored community colleges.
  So I am pleased to be here, and I urge all to be here in support of 
this resolution, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me today.
  Mr. PLATTS. Does the gentlewoman have other speakers?
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. We have one more speaker.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time then.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 
minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare).
  Mr. HARE. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 334, honoring the 
goals and ideals of National Community College Month. I am proud to 
have the opportunity today to acknowledge all the community colleges in 
my district, and I want to thank them for the invaluable contributions 
that they make to education, to the communities that I serve, to our 
State and to our Nation in general.
  Community colleges offer affordable opportunities for students of all 
ages to receive a higher education, retraining for new jobs and other 
university preparation courses. In my district alone, our community 
colleges work directly with workforce development one-stop centers, 
providing critical computer literacy courses, technical training and 
basic education that are needed for newly emerging jobs. In particular, 
Richland Community College in Macon County in my district is in the 
process of pioneering a course to prepare workers for the biofuels 
sector that is quickly becoming a major industry in my home State of 
Illinois.

                              {time}  1345

  As factories and other companies leave to go overseas, or as new 
industries emerge, creating new jobs that require unique skills, 
community colleges become increasingly important to educate, train and 
equip the new workforce that will fill these jobs. Additionally, they 
cannot allow students who cannot afford to go to a 4-year university, 
but who have the ambition and talent to succeed at one, the opportunity 
to complete the first 2 years of courses at affordable prices, and then 
allow those students to transfer to larger schools.
  For these reasons and many more, I am happy to stand today to honor 
Community College Month. As a member of the Community College Caucus,

[[Page 10822]]

I am working hard with my other colleagues to make sure community 
colleges have the resources and funding they need to continue to offer 
the services that are so critical to all of our communities across our 
country.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating Community College 
Month by passing H. Res. 334.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I again urge a ``yes'' vote and want to 
commend the sponsor, Mr. Miller, and others supporting this, and my 
chairwoman, Mrs. McCarthy, for her advocacy here on floor. I urge a 
``yes'' vote.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 334.
  Community colleges are the institutions that make things happen for 
our communities. They are the gateway to higher education for most of 
our students. They provide the opportunities that give lifelong 
learning real meaning. They are central to workforce development.
  In short, they are the rapid response system, the innovators, and the 
engine for economic development for communities across the Nation.
  I know first hand what a difference a community college can make. it 
was my great privilege to be the founding chair of South Texas College. 
When I was first elected to Congress in 1996, the unemployment rate in 
my district topped 22 percent.
  In 1996, South Texas College was a couple of years old and just 
beginning to build from its initial enrollment of 800 students. Today, 
our unemployment rate is less than 6 percent, and South Texas College 
is enrolling over 18,000 students each year. That is the difference a 
community college can make.
  Community colleges have also stepped up to offer new and exciting 
opportunities for students while they are still in high school. 
Community colleges are on the cutting edge of high school reform.
  For example, in my district, Texas State Technical College in 
Harlingen is hosting a new Early College High School that will enroll 
its first class of 100 freshmen this fall. Students graduating from 
this new school will have a head start in college, earning a possible 
60 credit hours along with their distinguished achievement high school 
diplomas.
  In our rural communities community colleges are critical pieces of 
the economic infrastructure.
  Consider the results of an economic impact study that found that the 
instruction provided by Coastal Bend College, in Beeville, Texas 
resulted in an accumulated contribution of $48.5 million in annual 
earnings to the Rural Coastal Bend Economy. That is roughly the 
equivalent of 2,087 jobs, which is a significant number in our rural 
economies.
  I would like to thank my colleague from North Carolina, Congressman 
Miller, for bringing this resolution forward.
  I wholeheartedly join him in supporting the goals and ideals of 
National Community College month. I urge my colleagues to support H. 
Res 334.
  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to Bucks County Community College in celebration of 
National Community College Month. By providing a gateway to higher 
learning for those who would otherwise be unable to continue their 
education, community colleges, like Bucks County, are improving our 
society and our communities. We need to continue to work to make 
college more accessible, so that we continue to build a more 
competitive workforce. Madam Speaker, by supporting these important 
institutions of higher education we can ensure their ability to serve 
students eager for knowledge and a path to a successful future.
  Madam Speaker, I am a strong advocate of community colleges because I 
am the product of a community college. After graduating from high 
school, I enrolled at Bucks County Community College, in Newtown, 
Pennsylvania, where I gained the ability and confidence to achieve. My 
year at Bucks County Community College was very important. It prepared 
me for King's College, Widener University School of Law and eventually 
to serve as an educator myself at West Point. My love of learning and 
teaching blossomed at Bucks County Community College--an experience no 
doubt shared by so many across our great Nation.
  For more than 40 years, Bucks County Community College has provided a 
critical service to Bucks County. Whether students are there as a 
stepping stone to another college or university, or preparing for jobs 
in business, public service or health care, Bucks provides a high 
quality education and a great environment in which to learn. The 
college has expanded its services by opening two campuses in addition 
to its main campus in Newtown. This has increased accessibility, 
especially for those continuing their education while working full-
time. As one of the oldest community colleges in Pennsylvania, Bucks 
County Community College has established itself as a leader in 
education, not just among other community colleges, but among all 
colleges and universities.
  If not for Bucks County Community College, I would not be where I am 
today. I know that mine is not the only case in which a community 
college changed the life of a young student. With 11 million students 
enrolled at more than 1,200 community colleges nationwide, these 
schools provide an invaluable service to a large portion of our 
community. Madam Speaker, these affordable, local institutions give 
every student, of every background, the ability to experience the 
benefits of higher education.
  It was at Bucks County Community College that I learned how hard I 
could work and how much I could achieve. Like millions of other 
students, all I needed was an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. 
Madam Speaker, this is the unique and necessary function of our 
community colleges. They give every student a chance to succeed.
  Madam Speaker, my appreciation for the opportunity provided by our 
community colleges is personal and near to my heart. I Urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 334.
  Mr. WICKER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution 
celebrating National Community College Month.
  For more than a century, community colleges have offered millions of 
Americans an affordable means of education close to home. Today 11 
million students are enrolled in these institutions, and the reach of 
this educational opportunity goes far beyond serving the traditional 
high school graduate. Many adults are taking classes to pursue a 
college degree, gain continuing education for their present jobs, learn 
skills for new careers, and earn high school diplomas.
  Community colleges are also playing key leadership roles today in 
support of economic development activities. The unique ability of these 
institutions to adapt workforce training programs to meet specific 
needs in the areas they serve is a powerful resource. These schools 
have been partners in attracting new industry and helping existing 
businesses expand operations.
  As co-chair of the bipartisan Community College Caucus, I am proud to 
join this effort to support the goals of National Community College 
Month and congratulate these institutions, their students, faculty, and 
staff for their contributions to education.
  Our caucus was created in 2006 to help educate Members of Congress 
and focus national attention on the activities community colleges are 
undertaking to provide educational options and improve the quality of 
life in the areas they serve.
  I am also proud of the role the State of Mississippi has played in 
the development of this important educational opportunity. In 1922, 
Mississippi became the first State to create a statewide system of 
junior colleges. It brought affordable and accessible post-secondary 
educational choices to all of our citizens. Today, more than 70,000 
full-time students are enrolled at 15 community colleges in my home 
State.
  I stand in strong support of our community colleges and salute their 
work to educate a diverse group of Americans spanning all age, income, 
race, and ethnic categories. The enhanced opportunities provided by 
these institutions are educating millions of people and helping provide 
a more skilled workforce to compete in our global economy.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
House Resolution 334, which will support the goals and ideals of 
National Community College Month. This resolution was passed on May 1, 
2007 with bipartisan support.
  Not only is a college education one of the best investments a person 
can make, it is the best way to ensure our children and grandchildren 
have a promising future regardless of socioeconomic status. The typical 
college graduate earns 80 percent more than a high school graduate, and 
this can add up to about one million dollars over one's career. 
Additionally, more educated people tend to have access to better health 
care, and often enjoy a better quality of life.
  For these reasons, I am always looking for ways to improve access to 
a quality education for our area, and I have found that community 
colleges are one of the best ways to achieve this. For many years now, 
I have seen the benefits of these schools, and their collaboration with 
community partners in our area is critical. Whether it's through 
training programs or working with local businesses, community colleges 
focus on areas to make sure that

[[Page 10823]]

their students have the components they need to be successful.
  I am proud that the Congress has decided to honor our country's 
community colleges, their students, governing boards, faculty, and 
staff, not only for their contributions to education and workforce 
development, but for their vital role in ensuring a brighter, stronger 
future for our country.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 334.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas 
and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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