By Lily Benitez De Luna
The battle over student loan interest rates continues on Capitol Hill today as Senate leadership indicated disapproval of the Republicans recently revealed proposal to keep interest rates stagnant.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) underlined the importance of passing their version of the bill, as opposed to the Republican plan to cover the costs by dipping into public health funds.
“In 2007 we worked very hard to accomplish this legislation… we simply want to renew this, it’s the right thing to do,” Reid said.
House Speaker John Boehner announced that the House will vote on their version of this bill on Friday, an action Reid condemned.
“I’m very disappointed in what he House is contemplating doing tomorrow, they have reported a bill… which would [of course] stop the increase in the loans going forward, but they would pay for it by stopping Americans from getting preventative healthcare.”
Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) was also unpleased with the announcement and bashed the GOP’s legislation.
“When it comes to helping the kids… the Republican answer is ‘well, by all means then, the thing to do is cut healthcare.’”
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) pledged to remain persistence until Republicans agree to sign the Democrats proposal.
“We and the President are going to keep up the pressure on this issue,” said Schumer, further stating that he is confident the bill will eventually pass.
“I believe, with just about certainty that if we keep at it, they will pass a bill.”
