Congresswoman Adams Statement on The 50th Anniversary Of Higher Education Act

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) today released the following statement in honor of the 50^th anniversary of the Higher Education Act (HEA), which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 8, 1965:

"Since 1965, the Higher Education Act has helped level the playing field for millions of students across our nation. As the largest authorized federal source of funding for student aid, this legislation has helped make college more accessible and more affordable.

"Having been a professor for 40 years and an administrator at an HBCU, I know the difference HEA has made in helping students get to college. As the cost of a college education continues to rise and students struggle with greater debt loads, I'm quickly reminded that we have more work to do. This 50^th anniversary of HEA, I'm urging my colleagues to pass the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act that allows students to refinance their debt, and reauthorize the Higher Education Act. Education is one of the greatest equalizers; let's make it accessible to all."