Amata praises US House passage of education bill
April 04, 2006

Reprinted from Samoa News

Aumua Amata praised the US House for passing H.R. 609, the College Access & Opportunity Act, which would help more low-and middle-income students pursue the dream of a college education. The bill passed 221-199 with approximately 180 Democrats voting against the bill, "which astounded me," she said.

"Our children's education is a top priority. We need to be dedicated to making sure that more and more of our local students can get help to go to college," said Amata. "This bill is a major opportunity within our reach. It provides a plan that expands the Pell Grant program for low-income students, provides parents and students with better information on college costs, simplifies the financial aid process, improves local teacher training, and strengthens institutions serving minorities."

She added, "This reform bill protects the interests of our local students and parents, as well as the pocketbooks of American taxpayers (which is always a consideration of Congress) and will help our students become tomorrow's leaders and keep American Samoa strong."