(Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2001)
HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, October 11, 2001
Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001. This legislation is simple in its purpose. It grants the Secretary of Education specific waiver authority within Title IV of the Higher Education Act to provide necessary relief to those affected by the recent attacks on America and any subsequent attacks. This waiver authority addresses the need to assist students who are being called up to active duty, those active duty military being relocated, and those students directly affected by the attacks.
Mr. Speaker, our citizens have been dramatically affected by the attacks of September 11th. The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001 provides the Secretary of Education the ability to provide relief to affected individuals and institutions where it is deemed necessary while ensuring the integrity of student assistance programs. The Secretary may relax repayment obligations for our active duty armed forces, provide a period of time victims and their families may reduce or delay monthly student loan payments, and assist institutions and lenders with reporting requirements.
This bill is specific in its intent--to ensure that as a result of the attacks on the United States on September 11th, and the resulting national emergency declared by the President on September 14th: Affected borrowers of Federal student loans are not in a worse financial position, administrative requirements on affected individuals are minimized without affecting the integrity of the programs, current year income of affected individuals is used to determine need for purposes of financial assistance, and institutions and organizations participating in the Federal student aid programs that are affected by the attacks may receive temporary relief from certain administrative requirements.
This legislation will provide relief for the men and women of our military who are defending the freedoms of this great nation. As families send loved ones into harms way, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act will allow the Secretary of Education to reduce some of the effects of that upheaval here at home.
The Secretary of Education will report to Congress on the impact of the waivers implemented as a result of this bill and he will also provide recommendations for changes to statutory or regulatory provisions that were the subject of the waivers invoked.
I am proud and delighted that 71 of my colleagues have signed on as original cosponsors of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act. It is an indication of the Congress's commitment to our military and to our students and families, as well as to those on the front lines of making higher education available. I look forward to swift passage of this legislation.
Posted October 17, 2001 on the NASFAA Web Site www.nasfaa.org
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