Media Center

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act by a vote of 380-49. Included in H.R. 4137 is legislation introduced by Congressman Scott - the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Act of 2007 (H.R. 916) - which passed the House on May 15, 2007 by a 341-73 vote.

To address the rising cost of post-secondary education, the Higher Education Opportunity Act not only increases the maximum Pell Grant award to $8,000 by 2014, but also encourages transparency by establishing user-friendly websites that will provide families with important information concerning the costs of tuition and related expenses. This legislation will also hold colleges and universities accountable for tuition increases by requiring explanations for why expenditures must increase. Additionally, this measure will simplify the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) by not only reducing the number of questions on the questionnaire, but also by eliminating the requirement that students must submit a FAFSA each year aid is sought, unless information has changed. The Higher Education Opportunity Act also increases support for undergraduate and graduate programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions.

“As an individual with a bachelor’s degree will earn nearly $20,000 more per year than a peer without, a college education continues to be the best path to the middle class. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition continues to rise faster than inflation,” Congressman Scott said. “Our work today will help American students realize their long-term goals by making a college education more affordable. By passing this bi-partisan legislation, we are also making the financial aid application process more simplified and less intimidating for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.”

Congressman Scott praised the inclusion of his legislative language, which will encourage current and future law students to pursue a public service career following graduation from law school. “A serious situation is emerging impacting public safety, justice, fairness and the integrity of the criminal justice system, as a severe shortage of qualified prosecutors and public defenders looms large over our entire nation,” Congressman Scott said. “In Georgia and throughout the country, the recruitment and retention of public prosecutors and defenders has been a daunting task in recent years. This is largely because crushing student debt burdens have deterred many talented law graduates from pursuing public service careers.”

The bipartisan John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Act of 2007 would benefit our criminal justice system and our communities by creating a student loan repayment program for law school graduates who commit to serve for at least three years as criminal prosecutors or public defenders. The bill was introduced on the Senate side by Senator Richard Durbin, and is cosponsored by Senators Arlen Specter, Patrick Leahy, Gordon Smith, John Kerry and Susan Collins.

This legislation is supported by the American Bar Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act, has passed the Senate and is awaiting the President’s signature.

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