Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after House passage of the Interest Rate Reduction Act, which will extend the current 3.4 percent interest rates on federal student loans for one year. The cost of the bill is paid for by eliminating unnecessary spending in the president’s health care law:
“In this challenging economy, a college degree is both more important and more expensive than ever. Keeping student loans more affordable gives college students a better chance to succeed, and that’s good for the economy. Unlike the Democratic proposals, this legislation helps students deal with rising tuition costs without requiring taxpayers and businesses to foot the bill. President Obama should embrace this reasonable solution.”
Congressman James Lankford issued the following statement after his bipartisan bill, H.R. 3609, the Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
“With committee passage of this bill, Congress is one step closer to following through on a rising cry from the House of Representatives and the nation to provide openness in the federal government. The Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act will strengthen government accountability and transparency, furthering the goal of a more streamlined, efficient, and cost effective federal government,” said Congressman Lankford.
Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) has also introduced companion legislation, S.1957, in the Senate.
“The American people deserve to have a better understanding of how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent,” said Lankford. “One of the reasons I was elected was to prevent waste, duplication, and inefficiency. This bill provides Congress with the tools to see the waste and act on it. Currently, it is impossible to navigate federal agencies when there is no list of programs, defined metrics or clear cost. The Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act simplifies the process by establishing reporting requirements to identify inefficiencies.
“I look forward to the discussion of the Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act on the House floor after this successful committee hearing,” concluded Lankford.
Lankford has been named a conferee for the joint House-Senate highway bill conference legislation.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with my fellow conferees from the House and Senate to iron out the details of this important legislation,” said Lankford. “I remain committed to the House rule banning earmarks and look forward to utilizing this opportunity to move forward with surface transportation funding free of the more than 6,000 earmarks included in the previous highway bill.”
The House recently passed a 90-day reauthorization for highway funding. The Senate also passed a $109 billion, two-year extension. Now, the two chambers must work out the details between the two bills.
“Congressman Lankford has proven to be an intelligent and diligent member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and I am pleased he will be an active member of this conference responsible for completing this important transportation initiative,” added Congressman John L. Mica (R-FL), Chairman, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“I want to see long-term funding solutions to demonstrate clarity and certainty from Congress. This is a rare opportunity for Members on both sides of the aisle and both houses of Congress to work together to serve the American people and show our commitment to real reform and not Washington’s business as usual,” concluded Lankford.
Columnist Anthony G. Martin, writing for Conservative Examiner, reports that an Alaska Congressman has put the pressure on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for what he termed “hassling” gun stores in his state.
Congressman Don Young, R-Alaska, sent a letter to the ATF two days ago stating that he has heard from several gun store owners who are complaining that the agency is harassing them to turn over their bound books containing the records of gun and ammunition purchases, the customers’ names and addresses, and their official background checks.
Student loans really helps you to get your higher education. One of the best benefit of it is the fact that multiple loans can be melted down into one master loan. This saves frustration, reduces the risk of missing a payment and actually improves your credit score. And it reduces your monthly payment.