Speech Of Hon. Bobby L. Rush Of Illinois In The House Of Representatives Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Washington D.C.-
Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 5, the College Student Relief Act. This important piece of legislation will make it easier for all students to attend college, and help reduce the burden on middle class families struggling to give their children a chance for a greater future with more opportunities.
Madam Speaker, if education is truly a priority of this country and this government, then let us act now and put our money where our mouth is. There is nothing more important to the future of this country than providing all of our children with a great education, and preparing them for a world which they will someday be required to lead.
Providing our children with the opportunity to receive an affordable college education is a legacy we can all be proud of, and is one that can define this 110th Congress in the most positive light.
At a time when college education is continually skyrocketing and middle and lower class families are seeing their budgets being constantly squeezed, lowering the interest rates on college loans will help those who need it most in our society.
Though some will say that the American economy has been booming over the last few years, and they will point to record increases in profits, salaries, and bonuses as proof, unfortunately Madam Speaker, many Americans have been left out of this great wealth and prosperity.
Today, we have an opportunity to help all Americans. By enacting this bill we are extending the opportunity for a brighter future through education to all sectors and classes of our society. American families need this bill. America needs this bill.
According to the Congressional Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, increased college costs will prevent over 4.4 million high school graduates from entering a four-year public institution over the next decade. I repeat, over 4.4 million, students will be unable to afford a quality college education over the next decade, Madam Speaker.
This restriction on higher education will not only hurt students and families, but it will have a devastating effect on our country as a whole.
At a time when the global economy is becoming more competitive and America's dominance in the fields of science, math, engineering, and technology is being challenged by countries all over the world, we need to be providing more opportunity to our best and brightest students, and give those who have been stuck in the generational cycles of poverty and despair, a chance to improve their life situations, and give their families opportunities that have eluded them in the past.
By the year 2020, according to the American Youth Policy Forum, the United States will be facing a dire shortage of college-educated workers that threatens our entire economy.
Madam Speaker we must act now to confront this threat. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill with bipartisan support, because doing so makes sense, and failure to do so will lead to consequences down the road that will affect our entire economy and way of life.