COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Statement by Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)

Chairman, Committee on Education & the Workforce

 Markup of H.R. 609, the College Access & Opportunity Act

July 13, 2005

After more than two years of hearings and informal debate, we’re finally ready to mark up a bill to strengthen the Higher Education Act and expand college access for low and middle income students.

The Higher Education Act was established in 1965 to help ensure all students, regardless of financial status, have the opportunity to pursue a college education.  Unfortunately, in recent years federal higher education programs have strayed from this mission.

Our bill restores the focus of the Higher Education Act to where it belongs: on students.

I’d like to thank Rep. McKeon for working with me to develop this bill.  He is a strong advocate for higher education, and has always been a leader in efforts to address college costs and maintain affordability and access in higher education.

I’d also like to thank Rep. Kildee.  He and Buck go back a long time working together on higher education issues, and I’m confident he’ll work with us to develop a stronger bill.

Finally, I’d like to recognize the staff members who’ve devoted the time and energy that have allowed us to be here today.  Alison Griffin and Amy Raaf have taken on this monstrous task, and they deserve great credit for developing the bill we have before us today.  I’d also like to recognize Ellynne Bannon with Rep. Miller’s staff for her hard work.

# # # # #