Support College Affordability

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4674, the College Affordability Act. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

The Federal role in education is centered on equity. When we promote and realize equity in education, when we expand and invest in educational opportunities, we can improve outcomes for all students, at all levels.

President Johnson signed the first Higher Education Act into law in 1965, more than 50 years ago. The goal was to make certain that no student is denied a college education because of a lack of resources. At that time, President Johnson said: ``This act means the path of knowledge is open to all that have the determination to walk it.''

We have made some progress over the past 50-plus years. But for many students, especially first-generation and low-income students and many students of color, they have the determination, but there are still too many barriers for them to overcome.

I am glad this bill addresses those barriers and includes several of my longtime priorities, informed by conversations I have had with students, community colleges, colleges, and universities across my home State of Oregon. These priorities include strengthening financial counseling for student borrowers and modernizing the Federal work-study program to direct resources to students who need it most.

I have also heard from numerous student loan borrowers in northwest Oregon who describe loan repayment as anxiety-inducing, daunting, and overwhelming, which is why I have included language in the College Affordability Act to help protect many borrowers from default by getting and keeping them in manageable, income-driven repayment plans.

Also, unfortunately, I have heard that housing and food insecurity are prevalent for too many students across this country. This bill includes language I authored, along with my Education and Labor Committee colleague Representative Takano, to address the issue of food insecurity by making sure that students who are eligible for SNAP are aware of their eligibility and have the support they need to secure those benefits.

The College Affordability Act also increases Pell grant funding, supports school-based childcare centers, provides stronger accountability measures for institutions, creates an emergency grant program for students who encounter unexpected financial barriers, and makes urgently needed improvements to the public service loan forgiveness program.

I am proud of the work that the Education and Labor Committee has done in crafting the College Affordability Act. I am grateful to Chairman Scott for his leadership. I urge all of my colleagues to support this crucial legislation when it comes to the floor as we continue our work to make college affordable and equitable for everyone.

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