Press Conference with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA); Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD); Rep. George Miller (D-CA); Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)

Press Release

PRESS CONFERENCE WITH SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY (D-MA); REP. STENY HOYER (D-MD); REP. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA); SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID (D-NV)
SUBJECT: HIGHER EDUCATION

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REP. HOYER: I don't know that I can -- (inaudible) -- anymore expansively in saying what a historic day this is as we see this legislation. It's passed the Senate, it's going to pass the House. (Pause for technical difficulties.)

We're now joined by -- (off-mike consultation). The voting situation is that we are considering the patent reform bill right now, but we will be voting both on the patent reform bill and the Higher Education Act or as it's -- you took the name away; I don't have it in front of me, but -- and we expect a very significant bipartisan vote as was received in the Senate.

This is an historic day for the millions of hardworking Americans who want to send their sons and daughters to college. Senator Kennedy indicated that Senator Reid, our leader in the Senate, indicated this was going to be the education Congress. Our leader in the House, Speaker Pelosi, indicated this was going to be a Congress that focused on our children, that made sure their opportunities were full and fair and complete. Both are compatible with this legislation, and in fact, this legislation meets that commitment.

First, let me thank both Chairman Miller and Kennedy. No two people could have worked harder over a longer period of time on behalf of the education, educators, families and children and the opportunities available in our country to grow our economy and to ensure our country's success; the College Cost Reduction Act as well, as their leadership in education over many years has made an extraordinary difference.

The bottom line is this: This bipartisan conference report, which passed the Senate by a vote of 79 to 12 and which will soon pass the House of Representatives with a significant bipartisan vote, provides the largest investment in higher education since the GI Bill, as Senator Kennedy pointed out, at no new cost to the taxpayer. Among other things, the conference report increases the minimum Pell Grant by $490 next year and at least close to $1,100 over the next five years. It cuts interest rates in half on subsidized student loans over the next five years. It provides tuition assistance to qualified undergraduate students who commit to teaching in public schools. Senator Kennedy spoke so eloquently, as did his brother, about public service and commitment to community. This bill enhances the ability to do that, not the inclination, because, as you pointed out, Senator, our young people have that inclination.

This gives them the financial ability to do so as well. It provides loan forgiveness for public service workers after 10 years of loan payments.

These measures and others are all designed to do one thing: to make college education more affordable for millions of students in lower-and-middle-income families. But let me stress: Acquiring a first-rate education is a wonderful personal opportunity and accomplishment. But ensuring that we have an educated workforce also is a national imperative that will strengthen our competitiveness and ability to compete in the 21st century's global marketplace.

Finally let me say: The passage of this conference report is yet another example, and I know Speaker Pelosi would say the same if she were here, is yet another example of how this Congress is getting concrete accomplishments done, Senator Reid, in both sides of the Congress for the American people. And we're working in a bipartisan manner. These bills were both passed in a bipartisan manner.

Already this year, we've enacted a minimum wage increase, the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, sweeping lobbying and ethics reform, and an innovation agenda enhancing our competitiveness. And now we will pass this important conference report, which received bipartisan report and which the president has said he will sign. We are moving this nation in a new direction and addressing the priorities of the American people. And this conference report is a clear example of the work that we are doing in moving this country in a new direction.

And now it's my -- George, and you'll be cleanup, right?

Chairman Miller, chairman of our Education and Labor Committee, who has done such an extraordinary job, as I said earlier, working with Senator Kennedy to ensure the passage of this legislation.

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