Weaver Applauds Passage Of Student Loan Bill

NEA President Reg Weaver applauded the U.S. House of Representatives Friday (January 19, 2007) for passing the College Student Relief Act of 2007, which will cut the interest rate on federally subsidized student loans in half over the next five years.

The legislation, which passed on a 356-71 vote with substantial bipartisan support, now moves to the Senate.

Weaver called the move an important step to making higher education more accessible and affordable for all students.

“Students shouldn’t be forced to choose between either not going to college or coming out of school saddled with massive debt," Weaver said. "Higher education doesn’t only benefit graduates who can earn better-paying jobs. It benefits everyone through a more informed, engaged and active citizenry.

"We all have a responsibility to make sure higher education is accessible and affordable, and this is an important step in getting there," Weaver said. "We urge the Senate to do the same in coming weeks.”

Posted January 19, 2007