March 17, 2005
Senate Takes Major Step Forward in TRIO and GEAR UP Battle
The Senate voted today to restore $2.7 billion in higher education funding above the level included in the President's budget. This is sufficient to provide a several hundred dollar increase in Pell and sufficient to restore funding for TRIO and GEAR UP. All the Democrats and 6 Republicans voted (51-49) for the amendment introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. Please immediately thank the Senators who voted for the amendment, with special attention to the Republicans who broke ranks to do so (See list below). Please also thank Senator Kennedy and Senator Clinton for their leadership. Senator Clinton's smaller amendment to restore TRIO and GEAR UP funding was made unnecessary by the passage of Kennedy's amendment.
This vote was a critical first step because it gives appropriators the fiscal flexibility to fully restore TRIO and GEAR UP funding-but we are nowhere near the end of this battle. The next challenge is to make sure that this level of funding is retained when the Senate goes to conference with the House. Then, appropriators in both houses still need to include TRIO and GEAR UP funding in the appropriations bills
After briefly enjoying this victory, please continue your good work, placing as much pressure as possible on the House and Senate. We have a long way to go!
Republicans who voted in favor of the Kennedy amendment include:
1. Mike DeWine (OH)
2. Olympia Snowe (ME)
3. Susan Collins (ME)
4. Lincoln Chafee (RI)
5. Arlen Specter (PA)
6. Norm Coleman (MN)
Sincerely,
Maureen Hoyler
Executive Vice President
Attachment:
Summary of Kennedy Bduget Ammendment.doc