Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) amended the Higher Education Act reauthorization bill to include grants specifically for the improvement and construction of facilities at Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.  The amendment, adopted by voice vote, writes into legislation the authority currently exercised by the Secretary of Education to reserve funds for competitive grants for construction, maintenance, or renovation of campus facilities.

"This amendment is necessary to ensure that tribal colleges and universities have the resources they need for first rate classrooms, laboratories, libraries and dormitories," said Kildee.

A college education continues to be the best path to the middle class.  The rising cost of a higher education, however, is putting a college degree out of reach for more of America’s students.  In addition to rising tuition, students and their families face an overly complex federal student aid application process and a student loan industry mired in conflicts of interest and abusive lending practices.

This bill would reform and strengthen the nation's higher education programs to ensure that they operate in the best interests of students and families.  The legislation is the second major step that the new Congress has taken to make college more affordable and accessible for all qualified students.  Last year, Congress enacted into law a $20 billion increase in college financial aid over the next five years, the largest increase in student aid since the G.I. Bill of 1944.

"This bill will provide consumers with helpful information about college costs, restore integrity and accountability to the student loan programs, and expand college access and support for low-income, and minority students," said Kildee.

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act passed the House today by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 354-58.  For more information on the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, click here.