House Debates Higher Education Bill, Adopts Amendments Supported by Rep. Platts
On September 17, 2009, the full House of Representatives debated legislation that would reduce interest rates on certain student loans as well as increase the maximum amount of Pell Grants available to the families of college students (H.R. 3221). The cost of the legislation would be offset by savings from reduced subsidies to private lenders. Significantly, the House adopted two amendments to the bill that were supported by Rep. Todd Platts.
The first amendment included provisions similar to bipartisan legislation that Rep. Platts has introduced with Rep. Patrick Murphy (H.R. 959). Specifically, the amendment will provide increased financial assistance – in the form of full Pell Grant amounts – to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who die in the line of duty.
The second amendment prohibits federal funds from going towards the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Recent media reports have high-lighted allegations of serious misconduct by employees of the group. The language of the amendment is identical to legislation cosponsored by 160 Members of Congress – including Rep. Platts (H.R. 3571).
The first amendment was adopted by voice vote. The second amendment was adopted by a vote of 345-75. The overall bill passed by a margin of 253-171. Congressman Platts supported the adoption of both amendments, and voted in favor of passing H.R. 3221.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Congressman Platts Supports Efforts to Address Special Education Funding Shortfall
Congressman Todd Russell Platts joined with his colleagues Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Tim Walz to introduce bipartisan legislation that would fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), thereby both benefiting special needs students and helping to reduce the pressure on local school property taxes.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/IDEA.shtml)
Flu.gov
For more information about protecting yourself and your family from the flu, please visit Congressman Platts’ home page. A link has been posted on the right-hand side of the homepage to a web site maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(http://www.house.gov/platts)
Helping to Ensure Americans Have the Opportunity to Read Bills Before the House Votes on Them
Rep. Todd Platts has joined with other Members of Congress in pushing for a bipartisan resolution (H. Res. 554) requiring a 72-hour public review period for major bills. During the review period, bills would have to be posted on the Internet so that all Americans have the opportunity to read them. The resolution was introduced in response to recent legislation – like the stimulus bill and the “cap and trade” bill – that contained hundreds of pages of text released only hours before being brought to the House floor for a vote.
H. Res. 554 was referred to the House Committee on Rules on June 17, 2009. So far, 178 Members – including Rep. Platts - have signed a so-called “discharge petition” related to the resolution. If 218 Members sign the petition, H. Res. 554 will be discharged from the Committee, giving the whole House of Representatives an opportunity to vote on its adoption.Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
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