12.17.15

Scott Statement on Senate Agreement to Extend Federal Perkins Loan Program

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the Senate’s amendment to H.R. 3594, the Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015, a bill that would extend the Federal Perkins Loan program for two years:

“At a critical time when many are questioning the affordability of a college education, the Senate’s amendment makes accessing financial aid funds more expensive for some students. By requiring new students to exhaust both their subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans before receiving a Perkins loan, we are fundamentally changing the nature of a program that has been instrumental in preserving college affordability for students in need. The bipartisan bill that passed the House in September maintained Perkins as an important tool that would give college financial aid offices flexibility to tailor awards to students. I am pleased that the Senate has taken action to preserve this vital source of federal funding, but we have more work to do to in the year ahead to support students and families in need.”

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