MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE

On 2026-07-16, Representative Janelle S. Bynum (D-OR-5) delivered a floor speech titled "MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE" in the House.

MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H4615] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE (Ms. BYNUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. BYNUM. Mr. Speaker, today I am here to talk about student loans. To be honest with you, I don't know why I am the only one. I can't remember the last time I heard this body talking about financing higher education. Instead, we have been voting on things like daylight saving time. Americans are struggling, Mr. Speaker, and our kids' opportunities are being limited. This should be a top priority of every Member of Congress. First, we need to fix the raggedy monthly payments calculator that prevents interest from spiraling out of control. We need to make sure that borrowers have access to repayment plans that don't take over 30 years to complete. Affordability shouldn't be a barrier, Mr. Speaker. We need to be building the workforce of the future. Americans need student loan plans that offer flexibility and real options. We should be making access to education easier, Mr. Speaker, not harder for Americans. ____________________