I have to confess a certain feeling of ‘déjà vu all over again’ as we prepare to vote on yet another budget reconciliation bill that vastly expands the reach of government. Last week, we approved a plan that sets up the federal government to take control of our health care system. This morning, we’ll be voting on a bill that will put the federal government in complete control of student lending. W... Read more »
I appreciate the opportunity to speak, but I regret that my comments will be in opposition to the bill before us. I was named Ranking Member on the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee earlier this year with great excitement. After all, workforce development and higher education were key priorities for me as a State Senator, and I was anxious to get to work on bipa... Read more »
Republicans today came out strongly against a proposal offered by Congressional Democrats to eviscerate the private sector’s role in helping families pay for college. Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the House Education and Labor Committee’s Senior Republican Member, criticized the legislation as a mockery of fiscal responsibility that is designed to permanently eliminate private capital from the student l... Read more »
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today harshly criticized the Obama Administration’s plans to orchestrate a full government takeover of student lending. McKeon faulted the plan, discussed during a hearing by the committee, for eliminating choice and competition for students and families while failing to take meaningful steps t... Read more »
Education – especially a college education – is an engine that drives the American Dream. I would like to see this committee do what it can to help those American Dreams come true. And student loans are one tool that allows students and families to pursue that dream. Today, we are going to hear about different student loan plans. We will discuss whether it’s better to have loans come directly from... Read more »
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made his first official appearance before the House Education and Labor Committee today, outlining the Obama Administration’s education agenda. Republicans on the panel welcomed Duncan and highlighted opportunities for bipartisan education reform. At the same time, however, GOP members drew sharp contrasts with the Administration on critical issues like coll... Read more »
Thank you, Chairman Miller and good morning. And good morning to you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for appearing before this committee. I hope your testimony will be the start of a good, meaningful conversation today about the future of education in America. I also hope this conversation can lead to common ground, one where both Democrats and Republicans can work together to improve our nation’s schoo... Read more »
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement on the FY 2010 budget resolution: “With this budget, congressional Democrats are once again taking the easy way out, opting for brazen partisanship over thoughtful policymaking. “Budget reconciliation was never intended to shield the most pressing policy issues of... Read more »
As the Obama Administration prepares this week to mark its 100th day in office, the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), commented on what these first 100 days have meant for students, families, workers, and retirees: “The first 100 days of the Obama Administration have brought both good and bad news for education reform and workplace... Read more »
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the top Republican on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, today highlighted provisions in both the House-passed and Senate-passed budget resolutions that support continuation of a longstanding and successful federal student financial assistance program. While McKeon opposed the budget because he believes it spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows... Read more »
