Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers
On House Passage of the Higher Education Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Higher Education Act is an extremely important piece of legislation that will make higher education more affordable and no longer just a dream for millions of low-income and middle-class families. Increasing Pell Grants to $9,000 and expanding loan forgiveness programs will greatly offset soaring tuition costs. The bill also allows colleges, universities and faculty to continue to define their own standards for student achievement. The Bush administration’s proposal for the federal government to get involved in regulating student accountability is misguided, as every college and university has its own mission and should set its own standards and evaluation measures. The Higher Education Act has received strong bipartisan support. We are optimistic that this solid foundation will lead to a final conference package that President Bush will sign into law as quickly as possible.

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