Nothing brings more revenue to the Treasury than an investment in our children’s education whether it is early childhood, K-12, higher education, postgraduate, or lifetime learning.  We must ensure that access to a high-quality education is the right of every student, not just the privileged few. Under the Democratic Majorities, Congress has acted to help students afford a higher education by increasing the maximum Pell Grant and creating the American Opportunity Tax Credit, assisting graduates in paying back their loans by cutting interest rates in half, and eliminating taxpayer subsidies to banks to reinvest the savings back into students. Democrats remain committed to providing high quality education to all of America’s students and creating a nation ready for the challenges of the 21st century. 

In the Majority, House Democrats are working to expand educational opportunities for every student by strengthening our schools, expanding early childhood education initiatives, and modernizing our classrooms. Democrats believe we must work to reduce the achievement gap and create opportunities for students to attain higher education. That is why House Democrats have also introduced the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive overhaul of the higher education system that lowers the cost of college for students and families, improves the quality of higher education through stronger accountability, and expands opportunity by providing students the support and flexibility they need to succeed. We will continue to work relentlessly to improve and expand early learning opportunities, support affordable childcare options and make sure that we have the best trained, most qualified teachers in the world.

Democrats will continue to fight back against the Trump Administration’s outrageous anti-student and anti-worker agenda. Under the leadership of the Education and Labor Committee Chairman, House Democrats will continue to advance bold ideas and legislation to expand access, affordability and pathways to meaningful careers. Even in this period of shrinking federal, state and local budgets, we must work together to ensure that our classrooms are centers of academic excellence and to ensure a strong education is a right afforded to every student. 

In strengthening our education system, we will create a thriving, 21st century workforce that will lead emerging industries and ensure America remains a leading economic power on the world stage.