STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON HOUSE HEA PACKAGE

WASHINGTON, D.C—Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Health,Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in response tointroduction of the Higher Education Act (HEA) package in the United States House ofRepresentatives. "The House bill responds to the urgent needs of students and their families struggling to payfor college. There is bipartisan and bicameral agreement to provide greater aid to students,reform the student loan programs and make college more affordable. I look forward to movingforward with a Senate proposal next week. Putting the needs of students first is a top priorityfor our Committee.” ###