Rep. Peters Rails Against ‘Early Dismissal’; Demands Vote to Lower Student Debt

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) continued his effort to convince Speaker John Boehner that the House of Representatives should not adjourn at the end of next week, as has been widely reported. Today, Rep. Peters called for the passage of H.R. 4622, the “Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act,” which would automatically lower all federal student loans to 4 percent.

“Affordable, high-quality college education has been central to our nation’s competitiveness and success,” Rep. Peters said. “I would not have been able to attend college without student loans and work study programs. For too many middle class families, college seems increasingly out of reach financially.

“Instead of sending Congress home for 7 weeks of campaigning, Speaker Boehner should allow a vote on my proposals to make it easier and more affordable for students to go to college.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Peters and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the “Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act” in the House while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced identical legislation in the Senate. Last month, Congressman Peters introduced the “Student Loan Repayment Assistance Act,” which would speed up the repayment process and reduce the burden of loans on many students and families by incentivizing employers to match student loan contributions.

Background on the Fight Against ‘Early Dismissal’

As part of his fight against Speaker Boehner’s move to dismiss Congress early for a 7-week campaign break, Rep. Peters is highlighting legislative priorities that are awaiting action in Congress and should be addressed before the House adjourns through mid-November. Yesterday, Congressman Peters focused on the need to pass the “Paycheck Fairness Act” to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work.

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