Floor Statements
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of Congressman Hoyer’s Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4348, the surface transportation bill. This motion to instruct conferees would ask the conference committee to end their differences and support the Senate passed measure. S. 1813 or MAP-21 was passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan majority with a final vote of 74 – 22.
Madam Speaker, access to affordable higher education is one of the reasons that our country is so great. As someone who lives in the Gateway to America, I have seen firsthand the transformational power of education. However, access to higher education is now being threatened.
Mister Speaker, in less than one month, the interest rate for student loans is scheduled to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. This increased rate, combined with the skyrocketing costs for college, will make it extremely difficult for Americans to afford to go to college.
Mister Speaker, I rise today to honor our teachers during National Appreciation Week.
Mister Speaker, on March 17th, the world lost a great spiritual leader, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.
I rise today to join the millions of Coptic Christians in mourning his death. This past Sunday, St. Mary Coptic Church in East Brunswick, New Jersey held a very moving memorial service for the Pope.