April 27, 2012

Republicans Playing Games with Student Loan Bill, Undermining Health of Women and Children

Rep. André Carson votes against H.R. 4628 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4628, a Republican bill that undermines bipartisan efforts to prevent the doubling of student loan interest rates for nearly 7.4 million Americans.  The Republican bill makes dangerous cuts to women’s and children’s health services and protects big oil.

H.R. 4628 repeals the Prevention and Public Health Fund, stripping away vital funding for breast and cancer screenings, childhood immunizations, diabetes prevention, and birth defect screenings for newborns. 

House Democrats had introduced an alternative bill (H.R. 4816) which would have blocked the increase of student loan interest rates and ended tax breaks for the five largest oil companies, all of whom are enjoying record profits.

“If Republicans do not drop the political games, nearly 300,000 Hoosiers will see their student loan interest rates double on July 1^st,” said Rep. André Carson. “But rather than offering real solutions that protect our student borrowers, Republicans hope to tie down these efforts with partisan and dangerous cuts to family health.”

“There is a better way,” Congressman Carson went on to say. “Our alternative not only prevents the rate hike for student loans, it protects vital health services and ends tax breaks for big oil. I will not support efforts that pit Hoosiers’ health against their financial well-being.”

H.R. 4628 passed the House by a vote of 215-195. The White House has issued a threat of veto if the bill reaches the President’s desk.