Cuts to Student Aid

CUTS TO STUDENT AID -- (House of Representatives - November 09, 2005)

(Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, when I was

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elected to Congress, I never thought I would be asked to participate in crushing the dreams of American children. But that is exactly what the House majority is asking me to do. The House budget reconciliation bill includes $14.3 billion in overall cuts to Federal student aid programs over the next 5 years. This cut will be the single largest cut in the entire history of the student aid program. I thought the majority did not want to leave any child behind. But obviously what this cut means is they do not want to leave you behind, until you want to go to college.

I know firsthand the importance of student aid. I would not be standing on the floor of this House if it were not for student aid programs. These loans made my education dreams a reality. I am the only member of the California congressional delegation still paying off her student loans. Each month I proudly write that check because I know the best investment I and my seven brothers and sisters could have made was our investment in our own education.

Can you imagine where we will be in 20 years when we lack the professionals that we need in this country? Make no mistake, these proposed cuts to student aid programs will negatively impact the future of our workforce and our economy.

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