"Access to higher education is critical to the success of our economy and our country. Difficult circumstances should not prevent talented students from having access to higher education," Congressman Tom Cole said. "I am particularly pleased that the House passed version of this legislation includes language to protect the TRIO program. TRIO has been especially important in Oklahoma, providing disadvantaged students with the resources to obtain a successful higher education."

      Congressman Cole used his position on the powerful Rules Committee to include language in the legislation that would protect TRIO programs. Language inserted by Congressman Cole omitted the ten percent novice applicant provision that would adversely affect TRIO programs in Oklahoma by redirecting funds from existing programs to a new program. The primary purpose of the Federal TRIO programs is to help prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for higher education. 

      The bill will reauthorize discretionary programs of the Higher Education Act, including the student aid programs in Title IV, teacher training programs, graduate study, international and foreign language programs and institutional programs. Among other things, the College Access and Opportunity Act will do the following:

• Strengthen Pell Grants, student aid, student access and minority serving institutions.
• Reduce red tape for students and graduates.
• Remove barriers for non-traditional students.
• Empower consumers through transparency in college costs & accreditation.

     This legislation must now pass in the Senate.