[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1597]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      EXPANDING PROSPERITY BY PASSING THE COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY AND 
                           AFFORDABILITY ACT

  (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, one of the best ways to expand prosperity 
for more Americans is to make college more affordable. Today, an 
education at a private university is close to $50,000 a year, and 
things aren't much better at public universities where prices have shot 
up 40 percent above inflation in the last 7 years alone.
  This Democratic Congress has worked to eliminate some of the sticker 
shock. Last year we passed the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, 
which was the single largest increase in college aid since the GI Bill. 
But we are not done.
  Today we will vote on the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, 
which will make college more affordable and accessible. The bill 
encourages colleges to rein in price increases and to provides 
consumers with helpful information so they can make the best decisions 
on which school to choose.
  The legislation also simplifies the Federal student aid application 
process, expands college access and support for low-income and minority 
students, and increases aid for our veterans and military families.
  Mr. Speaker, let's continue to strengthen our Nation's future by 
passing the College Opportunity and Affordability Act today.

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