Providing for Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 2669, College Cost Reduction And Access Act
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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule for H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access conference bill.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to commend the leadership in both the House and the Senate for this outstanding legislation. This bill recognizes the fact that without investment there is no return. And it is, indeed, a strong investment in the future of America.
There are many components of the bill that are outstanding: loan forgiveness for public service, loan forgiveness for individuals who teach in high-need institutions, schools. But especially, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that this legislation focuses attention on the needs of primarily minority-serving institutions like Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, PBIs, predominantly black institutions, and of course Native American and Pacific Island institutions.
I want to commend Mr. Hinojosa, who is the chairman of our subcommittee, and urge that this legislation be passed.
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First of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the leadership in both the House and the Senate for this outstanding legislation. This bill recognizes the fact that without investment, there is no return. And it is indeed a strong investment in the future of America. It expands access and makes higher education more accessible for all. It increases the Pell grant maximum to $4,800 next year and to $5,400 by 2012. It cuts interest rates, provides up-front tuition for students who agree to teach in high-need public schools, provides loan forgiveness for some public employees and, Mr. Speaker, I am especially pleased that it recognizes the unique needs of primarily minority serving institutions like Hispanic-serving Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Native American, Pacific American, Asian American and Predominately Black Institutions in which I took a particular interest. Importantly, it includes $510 million for these minority-serving institutions and $30 million for PBIs specifically.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the leadership in both the House for this great work and especially subcommittee Chairman Hinojosa for his strong positions on the needs of minority students and primarily minority serving institutions.
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