College Affordability
Throughout my career as a legislator, increasing access to our higher education institutions and improving college affordability have been among my top priorities. Just as I stood committed to these issues when I served as Chair of the Higher Education Committee in the Florida Legislature, my commitment remains steadfast today.
Unfortunately, since the start of the 112th Congress, the future of college affordability--and in particular Pell Grants and student loans--has been under attack. For America to prosper, we must strike the appropriate balance regarding budget cuts and making critical investments in our future. Attempting to balance our budget on the backs of students is neither ethical, nor is it the way for America to remain competitive in a global marketplace.
This year, I was proud to cosponsor legislation that will continue to provide students with loans at a low, subsidized interest rate of 3.4 percent. These Stafford student loans are one of the few programs that are affordable for students and families, and I was proud to vote to continue this important program, which is being paid for responsibly and without adding to the deficit.
As Congress continues our work to reduce the national deficit, I will be working to protect funding and accessibility to these critical investments in America's students. Allowing our students to graduate with a better education and less debt is the best way to insure that America remains competitive long into the future.