New Study on Student Loans Has Suspect Sponsor, Says Miller
	Wednesday, March 1, 2006
	WASHINGTON, DC -- House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman George Miller released the following statement today in response to the announcement of the Republican Innovation and Competitiveness Act: “After twelve years of Republicans controlling the House, they have yet to put their money where their mouth is on American Competitiveness.  They continue to pay lip service to making college more affordable, even though they recently cut $12 billion out of student aid programs.  While this latest Republican plan contains some positive steps forward, the reality is that congressional Republicans have mostly failed to recognize the size of the challenge America faces in today’s tough global economy and have failed to respond with the big ideas and bold action that Americans are looking for in its leaders. “Democrats know that we can do better for America – and we must, if we want to stay No.1. That is why, last fall, House Democrats put forward our own bold ideas on this subject when we unveiled our Innovation Agenda. The Innovation Agenda would educate 100,000 new scientists, engineers and mathematicians in four years; increase our commitment to research and development by doubling overall funding for basic research; provide accessible and affordable broadband to all Americans within five years; call for energy independence within 10 years; and strengthen entrepreneurs and small businesses so they can continue to contribute to America's greatest innovations. “I encourage Republicans to work with us on comprehensive proposals that will help American stay No. 1.  The time to act on real solutions is now.” To see House Democrats’ Innovation Agenda, click here: http://www.housedemocrats.gov/news/librarydetail.cfm?library_content_id=557. ###

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