Washington, DC– Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) took to the House floor to urge Congress to pass her legislation, H.R. 2482 – the Perkins Loan Extension Act, to reauthorize the Perkins Loan Program for two more years. Click here for video of her remarks; a transcript is provided below.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a half million students across the country who will lose access to critical financial aid without action by Congress.
Perkins Loans are an important resource for low and middle income students.
A majority of those receiving this aid come from families with household incomes less than 30 thousand dollars a year.
In my district alone, this program is used by students at Clarkson, Paul Smith’s College, and SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and SUNY Plattsburgh.
Without Congressional action, these students will lose access to these important loans after September 30th when this program expires.
I’ve introduced H.R. 2482 – the Perkins Loan Extension Act – that will reauthorize this aid for two more years.
I’ve been grateful to receive support from 160 bipartisan cosponsors.
Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that low income students have access to a quality education, and the Perkins Loan program is a critical tool to help them succeed.
I urge the House to swiftly pass my bill before the end of the month.
Thank you, and I yield back.
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