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Today, President Bush signed H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act into law. With overwhelming bi-partisan support from both the House and Senate, this proposal marks a victory for the House Democrats’ New Direction for America platform for the 110th Congress.

“For far too many Americans, attending college seems out of reach,” said Congressman David Scott. “Under the leadership of the Democratic Congress, we can finally say to American students that nothing is impossible. This is the single largest investment in higher education since the Montgomery G.I. Bill”

Regarded as one of the most effective forms of student aid, Pell Grant award funding will increase by more than $11 billion. Over the next 5 years, award maximums will increase by $1,090 to $5,400. “For Georgia families, this is $859 million in aid, helping nearly 200,000 students in our state pursue higher education,” Scott said.

Earlier this year, the House passed Congressman Scott’s legislation, H.R. 916, offering loan forgiveness to law students who pursue careers as prosecutors and public defenders. Similarly, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act will offer loan forgiveness for individuals who have worked 10 years in public service in fields such as public defense, military service, first response, law enforcement, firefighting, and nursing among others.

Congressman Scott also praised the inclusion of language for Predominantly Black Institutions, such as Clayton State University in Morrow. “On the heels of U.S. News and World Report recognizing Clayton State as the most racially diverse baccalaureate college in the southeast, I am pleased this law makes Predominantly Black Institutions eligible for $15 million per year for programs in science, health education, globalization, teacher preparation and improving educational outcomes of African American males. This is outstanding for my congressional district and the students who attend Clayton State.”

As a budget reconciliation measure, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act not only makes college more affordable for American students, but cuts the federal deficit by $750 million.

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