| This week, Congress passed an economic stimulus package with strong bipartisan support that will help those in need and boost the slowing economy. This legislation meets the criteria of being timely, targeted and temporary, and will get money quickly to millions of hard-working families, seniors, and disabled veterans. The House also passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act this week, which reathorizes the Higher Education Act for the first time in a decade. Building on legislation enacted by Democrats last year that increased Pell Grants and cut interest rates on student loans, this bill will further work to make college more affordable by providing incentives for colleges to hold down tuition prices, restoring accountability to the student loan program, and making textbook costs more manageable. On Monday, President Bush sent Congress his final budget proposal. While he had an opportunity to break from his record of dangerous deficits and debt, his budget contained more of the same failed policies of the past. Democrats will put forward our budget blueprint that will uphold our commitment to fiscal responsibility and invest in top priorities, including national security, the economy, health care, and education. | |
