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CAPAC Members Commemorate 50th Anniversary of the Higher Education Act

November 9, 2015

Washington, DC – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Higher Education Act (HEA), which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 8, 1965 as part of the President’s “Great Society” initiative. This landmark bill strengthened our nation’s postsecondary and higher education system by making critical federal investments in colleges and universities and providing financial assistance for students. CAPAC Members released the following statements to mark this anniversary:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“When President Johnson signed the Higher Education Act (HEA) into law, he envisioned a nation where a higher education was available and accessible to all—regardless of one’s race, background, or wealth. Fifty years later, it remains our task to make that vision a reality. Education is the greatest equalizer, and it ensures that individuals have the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Through higher education, students have the foundation to be competitive in the workforce and develop the tools needed to succeed. That is why we must do more to ensure that higher education is not just a choice for the select few who can afford it, but that it is truly accessible to all. As Congress prepares to reauthorize HEA, I call on my colleagues to recommit to the values embodied in this law and to strengthen the opportunities our nation’s children have to obtain a postsecondary degree.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Fifty years after the passage of the original Higher Education Act, a college education is more important than ever. The Higher Education Act has been updated through the years to increase college affordability, make funds available to help colleges and universities better serve minority students, and protect students from gender discrimination through Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink’s landmark Title IX provisions. However, we must keep fighting for improvements to the system that will make a college education attainable for everyone, like my college affordability plan that would protect and expand Pell Grants.”

Congressman Michael Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“Fifty years ago, when the Higher Education Act was enacted, our country took a step forward to prepare future generations to be successful by making higher education more accessible to Americans. Today, we see many low- and middle-income Americans reaching their education goals thanks to the foresight of President Lyndon Johnson and the courage of our government to continue to support the Higher Education Act. When I speak to the diverse people of Silicon Valley – especially high school and college students – I always ask, ‘Who speaks another language? Who is the first person in their family to attend college?’ The Higher Education Act is absolutely vital in helping first-generation college students succeed and enter the workforce ready to be the innovators and visionaries of tomorrow.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Education Task Force Chair:

“A half century after it was signed into law, the Higher Education Act remains a critical tool for making college affordable and ensuring students are prepared for successful careers. It is a constant reminder that when we provide young people access to a good education, we provide them access to limitless opportunity and a brighter future.” Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), House Democratic Caucus Chairman: “Every construction and clerical worker, like my parents, who works hard and builds America should be able to send a child to college. Robust Pell Grants and reduced student loan debt are indispensable components of that dream. The mission of a reauthorized Higher Education Act must be to make that aspiration a reality.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“For fifty years, the Higher Education Act has opened the doors of educational opportunity to millions by making college more accessible and affordable. As we mark this anniversary, Congress must come together and recommit to strengthening and expanding affordable educational opportunity for all. As the costs of college continue to rise, more students and families, particularly those from low-income communities and communities of color, are being saddled with massive amounts of debt. As a member of the education funding subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring accessible and affordable education for all. It’s past time for Congress to get serious about making college more affordable and that starts by reauthorizing the Higher Education Act and passing the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):

“Young people across the country are facing an increasing number of financial barriers in their quest to attend college. As Congress considers another reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, we must undertake a serious effort to strengthen and streamline the federal student aid system so that all young people have an opportunity to succeed and compete in the 21st century economy.”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“Happy 50th anniversary to The Higher Education Act, which has afforded millions of students the opportunity to attend college and achieve the American Dream. To remain competitive in today’s workforce, often times a bachelor’s degree is mandatory. By making college more affordable, it enables many Americans to earn a degree and increase their lifetime earning potential. Let this this occasion also serve as a reminder that we must tackle skyrocketing student debt, which has surpassed an accumulated $1.3 trillion nationwide.”

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11):

“The Higher Education Act (HEA) is the largest source of federal funding for student aid. With the costs of college on the rise, the Act is needed now more than ever. Despite this, Congress has failed to reauthorize the HEA, leading to an even larger financial burden for America’s families. On this 50th anniversary, let’s recommit ourselves to America’s students. Congress must strengthen and reauthorize the Higher Education Act to increase college affordability, reduce student loan debt, and ensure equitable access for every student.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):

“Over the past fifty years, the Higher Education Act has made college more affordable and created opportunities for millions of Americans, including many AAPI students and families. However, with the cost of college on the rise, and the average borrower taking on nearly $30,000 in college loan debt, we need to act now to make it easier for students to access, afford, and complete a college education. As we mark the 50th anniversary and the past successes of the Higher Education Act, we must reauthorize this legislation in a way that improves college affordability and reduces crushing student debt.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46):

“As a direct beneficiary from the Federal Pell Grant Program established in the landmark Higher Education Act, I understand that investments in our institutions of higher education are investments in our future. This Congress I introduced the All Year ACCESS Act, which would double the maximum number of Pell Grants available to individual students and make these funds available during intersession courses. I wouldn’t be serving in Congress today without the support and opportunities that my Pell Grant provided me, which is why I have fought to ensure that colleges are fully funded and affordable for today’s college students.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“In 1965, the Higher Education Act (HEA) made history by providing resources to make college more affordable and accessible to those most in need. As the largest authorized federal source of funding for student aid, the HEA helps ensure that we provide opportunities for students and families around the country to pursue higher education. On the fiftieth anniversary of the enactment of the HEA, I join my colleagues in calling for the reauthorization of this critical legislation.

“As the father of two children, I know firsthand the critical role that education plays in a child’s life. Assuring equal access to high quality education has been one of my top priorities during my time representing Washington’s Ninth District. As we continue on the path to economic recovery, providing a quality education has become even more important. According to a recent Georgetown University report, 65 percent of all jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by 2020. With this in mind, we must continue to work to provide quality education to prepare our children for the increasingly competitive global economy. Access to higher education is extremely important to the success of our children. Whether through grants or scholarships, making higher education affordable is critical for the future of millions of students throughout the country.”

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08):

“The Higher Education Act is a landmark law that opened the doors of opportunity to countless students. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary, we must work to expand its promise by making college more accessible and affordable for everyone.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.