President-elect Barack Obama's designated Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, breezed through his Confirmation Hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee yesterday.
During the hearing, Duncan demonstrated a solid understanding of K-12 issues and programs, but seemed less knowledgeable about the higher education and specific student aid programs. Senators at the hearing expressed overwhelming support for Duncan, all but assuring that he would be confirmed by the Senate as Margaret Spellings replacement for the Obama administration.
While Duncan lacked some understanding about the specifics of student aid programs, he had a firm grasp of the underlying principles that would guide his efforts as the head of the Department of Education.
"We need to expand access. We need to expand affordability and provide more opportunities for students," Duncan said. Simplifying the FAFSA was one example Duncan gave as an opportunity to reduce barriers that students face.
"We have to be smart and pragmatic and thoughtful about how we can remove those barriers," he said.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) presided over the hearing in place of the absent committee chair Sen. Edward Kennedy. In his introductory remarks, Harkin said that the Obama administration could not just focus on reforming the current system.
"We need a new commitment to education funding from the incoming administration," Harking said. "Reform without new resources is just so much wishful thinking."
Harkin and other Democrats also expressed some concern about the student loan system and suggested that additional oversight was needed to ensure the program serves students' needs.
"A top priority for the next Secretary of Education must be to ensure that no young person is denied access to college for lack of access to a loan," Harkin said. "Doing so will require vigilance over the present student loan system as well as a commitment to reform student lending and redirect the savings back to needy students."
In his concluding remarks, Harkin noted that Duncan has a lot of support from the HELP Committee and from both sides of the isle.
"We look forward to your early confirmation and swearing in," Harkin said.
Media Coverage
Education nominee Duncan vows to cut ineffective programs Federal Times
Arne Duncan sails through confirmation hearing for Education Secretary. Duncan, Ted Kennedy statements Chicago Sun-Times
Hearing Offers Insight into Education-Secretary Nominee's Priorities for Higher Education The Chronicle of Higher Education
Close to the Vest Inside Higher Ed
Few Specifics From Education Pick The New York Times
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