House Passes College Opportunity and Affordability Act

The House has passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act by a vote of 354-58, which will continue this Congress' effort to make college more affordable and accessible. This bill would reform our higher education system so that it operates in the best interests of students and families, while boosting our competitiveness and strengthening our future. The legislation would: encourage colleges to rein in price increases and provide consumers with helpful information; restore integrity and accountability to the student loan programs; simplify the federal student aid application process; make textbook costs more manageable; expand college access and support for low-income and minority students; increase college aid and support for veterans and military families; ensure equal college opportunities for students with disabilities; boost campus safety and disaster readiness plans; encourage colleges to adopt sustainable and energy-efficient practices; and strengthen our workforce and our competitiveness.

Speaker Pelosi:

"Making college more affordable is essential to building a strong middle class, ensuring America's competitiveness by investing in a new generation of innovators, and creating good paying jobs here at home. The New Direction Congress is building on last year's historic investments in college affordability today by helping hold down rising tuition costs, simplifying the financial aid application process, and reforming unscrupulous student lending practices.

"Last year, the New Direction Congress cut student loan interest rates in half and boosted the maximum Pell Grant to $5,400 -- the largest investment in college financial aid since the GI Bill in 1944.

"Today, the House is again investing in our nation's economy, job creation, and our children's future by making college even more accessible and affordable for the middle class and those who aspire to it."

Further details | Debate Highlights | College Consumers' Bill of Rights

Chairman George Miller of the Education and Labor Committee spoke against the Republican Motion to Recommit:

Chairman Miller: "What about Teach for America? Have you talked to the principals and school districts that have these magnificent young people who have come to this system to give us a couple of the best years of their life? It won't be allowed under this amendment. And finally, what about the disabled kids that are in college where for the first time in the Higher Education Act we speak to the needs of the disabled community that can thrive and do well in colleges but they need help? You pit them against their brothers and sisters. Make your choice ladies and gentlemen. You can vote for the past and a scandalous record and commitment on education or you can vote for the future. How about some change?"

Extended transcript:

Chairman Miller: "So you won't be able to provide loan forgiveness for firefighters and police men and public defenders and prosecutors and nurses. You won't be able to help veterans re-enter the higher education system when they come back with so many of the injuries that their coming back from. You won't be able to give them the assistance that's in this legislation.... Because you shirked your duties for year after year after year for over a decade you've now decided these are the people you're gonna punish. This is the tenets of this party on the other side of the aisle.... What about Teach for America? Have you talked to the principals and school districts that have these magnificent young people who have come to this system to give us a couple of the best years of their life? It won't be allowed under this amendment. And finally, what about the disabled kids that are in college where for the first time in the Higher Education Act we speak to the needs of the disabled community that can thrive and do well in colleges but they need help? You pit them against their brothers and sisters. Make your choice ladies and gentlemen. You can vote for the past and a scandalous record and commitment on education or you can vote for the future. How about some change?"