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For Immediate Release |
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Contact: Murat Gokcigdem |
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Phone: (202) 225-8885 |
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February 7, 2008 |
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CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON’S AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE PELL GRANTS TO CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLIDERS UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HOUSE
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Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s amendment to provide educational opportunities to the children of fallen soldiers was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. The Johnson – Young Amendment to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act provides a maximum Pell Grant award to children who have lost a parent or guardian serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“The proportion of married U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan is higher today than in any other previous war,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Consequently, when these brave men and women are killed in the line of duty they often leave behind husbands, wives, and children. Since 2001, more than 4,400 U.S. service members have died during their deployment, and at least 2,100 children under age 18 have lost a parent as a result of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
The Children of Fallen Soldiers Pell Grant Act of 2007 offers financial assistance and access to higher education for young people who lost a parent or guardian as a result of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This bill provides financial assistance for higher education by waiving the income eligibility requirements on Pell Grant applications. By waiving this requirement, children of soldiers killed in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will qualify to receive a maximum Pell Grant award not to exceed the amount of their tuition.
“The death of a parent is not only emotionally devastating for a child, but often creates financial hardships for the family. Through this Pell Grant award we can offer a chance for a bright future for the children of those who gave their lives in the name of service for our country.”
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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.
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