July 31, 2008
Statement

Floor Statement Supporting the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008

MR. REED:  Mr. President, I thank Senator Mikulski for not only the time to speak about this important measure but for her leadership.  I particularly wish to recognize the extraordinary contribution of Senator Kennedy who has been the architect of this legislation and many previous reauthorizations. And I wish to give particular thanks to Senator Enzi whose quiet, thoughtful, and determined approach made a contribution to this legislation. I thank him for his hard work. 

I rise in strong support of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

It will be an important way in which we fulfill our obligation to the American people, and keep opportunity and hope alive throughout this country.  Education is truly the engine that pulls people forward. It allows individuals and families to move up the economic ladder, and not only for their own progress, but also for the benefit of the communities in which they live. 

This might be one of the most important pieces of legislation we ever considered on this floor.  I am proud it has been so well handled and so meaningful that today we are debating legislation which I believe will get overwhelming support.  I am particularly pleased it is being reauthorized at this time. We have seen an economy in turmoil.  One of the realizations that is taking place is that the housing sector of our economy is so central to everything we do.  I can imagine, as we all can, that there are literally hundreds of thousands of families across America who are counting on the equity in their homes to send their son or daughter to college.  That equity has been diminished, if it has not disappeared altogether. 

Today we are responding to that urgent need by providing more assistance to families to send their children to higher education.  I am particularly pleased the aspects of the legislation I helped author are included in this final version.  I introduced legislation called the FAFSA Act, which is the acronym for the federal financial aid form, to streamline the financial aid application process.  There will now be a short EZ-FAFSA form for low-income students and families while also allowing students to apply earlier so they have an idea of what their financial options are as they consider college.  These provisions will make the sometimes daunting task of getting financial aid, I hope, a little easier and a little more efficient. 

I am also pleased that aspects of my legislation called the ACCESS Act have been included. This legislation deals primarily with the LEAP program.  The LEAP program is a partnership between States and the Federal Government to provide grants to students who need the help--not loans, but grants.  The states put in some resources; we match those resources.  It is a way in which we can fulfill our commitment and our promise to many low-income families.  This legislation builds on the LEAP program by providing critical additional financial resources, particularly resources and that will be useful for helping middle- and low-income families attend college. 

We are all concerned about another aspect of our educational system, and that is teacher quality. T his legislation incorporates some other provisions which I advanced that will help prepare teachers for the reality of today's classroom.  I am very pleased they are included also. 

We also included in this legislation a Perkins student loan forgiveness for librarians and for members of the Armed Forces.  The Perkins program provides need-based loan assistance for students attending college.  We are going to forgive the debt on that loan assistance for librarians and members of our armed services. 

This is a wonderful act. I am pleased and proud to support it and be a part of it.  I once again thank Chairman Kennedy, Senator Enzi, and Senator Mikulski for their great work. 

I yield the floor.

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