Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), member of the House Budget Committee, questioned Arne Duncan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) when he appeared before the House Budget Committee at a hearing today. In September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation that makes the single largest investment in student aid by shifting all new federal student lending to the Direct Loan program, a move that will save taxpayers $87 billion over 10 years and will direct $10 billion in savings towards lowering the deficit.

“At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, this historic legislation makes higher education affordable by putting money right back into the pockets of mom and dad so they can help their children go to college or get career training,” said Rep. Larsen. “I was pleased to have the opportunity to ask Secretary Duncan about how this legislation will be implemented to revitalize our educational system, especially for community and technical colleges, which are a valuable resource for rebuilding our economy and preparing students to get jobs.”

At today’s hearing, Larsen asked Secretary Duncan to outline the top ways SAFRA will modernize the nation’s educational system. Secretary Duncan responded that this legislation will advance education by making targeted investments in early childhood education, Pell Grants, community and technical colleges and income based repayment for individuals who choose a career in public service. When Larsen followed up to ask how SAFRA will specifically assist community and technical colleges, Duncan responded that these institutions will benefit from a $7 billion investment in academic, pre-college and job-training grant programs as well as an additional $2.5 billion to modernize community colleges and offer on-line courses to help with surging enrollments.

“Community Colleges are seeing record enrollments as students try to find a cost-effective way to attend school during this economic downturn,” said Rep. Larsen. “We need to ensure that these students have the resources and tools to remain competitive in the global economy.  I believe community and technical colleges are at the forefront of training students in emerging technologies such as green energy and preparing them with marketable skills and knowledge that will allow them to succeed in the 21st century workforce.”

###