Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) accepted the chairmanship of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee yesterday, a position left vacant after the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA). By seniority, Sen. Chris Dodd was first in line for the job, but he turned it down to retain his chairmanship of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Harkin accepted the position shortly after Dodd turned it down.
Harkin currently serves as chairman of the Agriculture Committee, a committee that is important to his home state of Iowa. While he plans to stay involved in agricultural issues by remaining on the committee, he said he is fully committed to "guaranteeing every child the opportunity to pursue a quality education."
"To serve in this capacity is to carry on the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy, who dedicated his life to ensuring that our economy works for all Americans," Harkin said in a statement.
While Harkin raised concerns about the President's proposal to make the Pell Grant a full entitlement, he has historically been a supporter of the program and he is expected to carry through with the President's proposals to restructure the student loan programs and increase funding for the Pell Grant.
"Mr. Harkin has been a friend to students, an ally to student aid administrators, and a strong supporter of the federal student aid programs," said NASFAA Interim President Joan Crissman. "We look forward to working with him on legislation that will continue to increase access to higher education."
The House Education Committee passed its student aid bill in July and it could come before a full House vote as early as next week. The Senate has yet to release similar legislation, but staffers on the Hill are suggesting it could come as early as the week of September 21.
Media Coverage
Harkin to Succeed Kennedy as Chairman of Senate Education Committee The Chronicle of Higher Education
Harkin accepts chairmanship of HELP Committee The Hill
Harkin Statement
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement regarding succession of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
"Today I am honored to accept the chairmanship of the Senate HELP Committee. To serve in this capacity is to carry on the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy, who dedicated his life to ensuring that our economy works for all Americans, guaranteeing every child the opportunity to pursue a quality education and, of course, the cause of his life: access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. In this last endeavor, I expect to work closely with Senator Dodd, who has guided the HELP Committee so capably in reporting The Affordable Health Choice Act, and who will continue to play a leading role as health care legislation moves to the Senate floor.
"Of course agriculture will always be a key interest to my home state of Iowa, so I intend to remain a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, a Committee I have been on since I first joined the Senate in 1985. My dedication to the Agriculture Committee dates back to my first year in Congress when I served on the House Agriculture Committee in 1975. In that time, I have had the great privilege of serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee during enactment of the 2002 and 2007 farm bills -- bipartisan legislation that passed this body by an overwhelming majority. It is because of these bills that support for renewable energy and support for farm income grew exponentially, acres and acres of lands have been preserved through conservation efforts, rural developments efforts grew to help small towns that Americans have access to more fruits and vegetables and food assistance is covered for American families who need it. I intend to remain a member of the Committee."
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