(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks joined the majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (H.R. 4137). This legislation strengthens and reauthorizes our nation's higher education programs by expanding college access and support for low and middle income students.

H.R. 4137 builds upon the College Cost Reduction and Access Act to reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interest of our students. The legislation encourages colleges to restrict price increases by holding colleges and universities accountable for their tuition hikes. Colleges with the biggest increase in tuition prices are required to make public the reasons behind the increase and create a task force to examine how to keep prices from rising.

"This bill opens the doors of our colleges and universities to students that before were shut out. It makes the process of paying for college more transparent while encouraging colleges to reevaluate tuition increases," said Rep. Meeks.

The bill reestablishes integrity and accountability to student loan programs and streamlines the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. It even provides protections for private student loans.

Meeks continued, "It is important for young people to gain admittance to and be able to afford the cost of attending college. The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act improves the ability of students to fulfill their dreams of earning a college degree, without the fear of obtaining overbearing financial debt. This ensures that our youth will be well prepared to play a significant role in strengthening the workforce and our community's economic and social growth."

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 354 to 58. The reauthorization will provide consumers with helpful information to ensure equal college opportunities, while boosting our competitiveness and strengthening our future.

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