U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today issued the following statement on Senate Passage of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES):

"I congratulate the Senate for its passage of HEROES legislation to aid troops who have answered the call to duty. In many instances, these servicemen and women have suspended their lives, jobs, and education. HEROES provides them with relief from student loan obligations while they are deployed. Additionally, the bill asks postsecondary institutions to provide tuition refunds to military personnel called to duty and to assist them upon their return to complete their studies.

"An essential aspect of the legislation gives the secretary of education authority to take these steps in the event of a future national emergency. I applaud the Congress for instituting this provision, in particular, to ensure a quick response to help troops and their families should that need arise.

"I also want to commend Rep. John Kline (Minn.) and U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner (Ohio) for their efforts in securing overwhelming approval of HEROES in the House of Representatives. A grateful nation can be assured that the brave men and women who defend America and freedom around the world have not been forgotten."

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