I firmly believe that education is the incubator of American innovation, prosperity, and economic equality. I have consistently advocated for programs such as Title I, Head Start, migrant education, and tutoring and mentoring for first-year college students.

Americans hold $1.6 trillion in student debt. I’m one of them.  I am a cosponsor of the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive overhaul of higher education that lowers the cost of college, improves the quality of higher education, and expands opportunity for students from all backgrounds.

I also cosponsored the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to ensure that college students—particularly those receiving Pell Grants or attending a community college or minority-serving institution—are able to afford basic, day-to-day necessities.

I will continue to support year-round Pell, streamlined student loan repayment processes, and student loan forgiveness for public service.

Understanding the significant challenges servicemembers face when they transition out of the military, I introduced legislation to help establish Veterans Resource Centers at public institutions of higher education. I want to ensure our veterans feel empowered and confident when they are trying to advance their careers through education, and these Veterans Resource Centers will be another booster for veterans.  These centers will offer veterans a place to share ideas and advice, as well as professionally and personally network to lay a powerful foundation for their civilian careers.

Additionally, I am working closely with a number of Members from House Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees to better service our men and women in uniform. Through accurate and actionable legislative work we can reduce the barriers to our military members from progressing in their higher education.