Corker Votes for Higher Ed Access Bill

Press Release

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) voted for the passage of the Higher Education Access Act of 2007 which cleared the Senate 78-18 late Thursday. The bill increases the maximum amount available to Pell Grant eligible students to $5,400, eliminates the three-year limitation on deferments for members of the military, grants loan forgiveness to those serving in the public sector, and establishes a grant program to help states further increase college access for low-income students.

"College education is a dream for many children across America and this legislation will help them have the resources they need to pay for school and achieve their goals," said Corker. "Our economic future and ability to compete in the world marketplace depends on having a highly educated and trained workforce. Increasing college access and affordability is a critical part of that necessity and helps ensure that our young people are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century."

Corker also voted for an amendment offered by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that increases spending on the College Access Partnership grant program by $176 million. This new program is a state-federal initiative that focuses on students and individuals below the poverty line by providing a variety of educational related services such as help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), student loan forgiveness, interest rate reductions and financial literacy training. The amendment was agreed to 73-24.

The bill now will go to a House-Senate conference committee.

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