Earlier this afternoon Congressman
Rob Simmons of Connecticut released a statement announcing his opposition to
the budget reconciliation bill. Among its almost $40 billion in cuts, the reconciliation
bill will take $12.7 billion out of the student loan programs, at the expense
of millions of students and parents. We thank Congressman Simmons for pledging
his opposition to the largest cuts to student loans in history.
Congressman Simmons voted
against budget reconciliation in November when the House narrowly passed the
bill 216-214. However he voted for the reconciliation conference report in December.
Because of an amendment made in the Senate, the House must vote again on the
conference report. This vote is scheduled for February 1st.
In a statement released
today Congressman Simmons made it clear that his decision to oppose the bill
came after listening to the concerns of his constituents. We hope that all members
of Congress will take Congressman Simmons' lead and listen to the overwhelming
opposition to the budget reconciliation bill.
