Pelosi Statement on House Republicans’ Higher Education Bill

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after House Republicans introduced their partisan proposal to reauthorize the Higher Education Act:

"Today, House Republicans unveiled their latest devastating blow to students, borrowers, Millennials and all Americans pursuing lifelong learning.

"In the GOP tax scam and now in this radical Higher Education Act reauthorization, Republicans show no shame in making college more expensive for low-income students. This partisan bill pulls the rug out from borrowers and gives unfettered access to federal funding with no accountability. It furthers their mission to destroy Pell Grants, decimates loan repayment flexibility and repeals critical protections from predatory lending and institutions. When paired with the Trump Administration's executive efforts, this GOP legislation will create a two-tiered system that sends rich kids to college and puts lifelong learning out of reach for low-income Americans.

"Instead of yanking lifelong learning out of reach for millions, Republicans should abandon this partisan exercise and work in good faith with Democrats to expand access to quality education and tackle the crippling impact of the student debt crisis on millions of Americans. House Democrats will continue to fight for our Aim Higher initiative so that all Americans can pursue a meaningful degree or credential that leads to a good-paying job."

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