John Tierney

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Ruben Hinojosa, who has been deeply involved in the passage of this bill.

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. As my colleagues know, the Workforce Investment Act is the primary Federal law that governs the Nation's job training and workforce development system. Through this system, people of different ages and abilities can enter one of the career centers scattered throughout the country and obtain career counseling, skills assessments and training, all in the service of finding employment and providing a better future for themselves and their families. Quite simply, the Workforce Investment Act is the Federal law that does two big things: one, it helps people acquire the skills, education, and training they need to get a job; and two, it ensures businesses can hire qualified personnel so they can grow and our economy can thrive. That is what it is all about. Today, with consideration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, we appear to have reached the culmination of what has been a long process to extend and improve the Workforce Investment Act. So today I am pleased to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, 100- plus diverse stakeholder organizations, and 95 Members of the United States Senate in voicing my strong support for the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. I also note that it includes many components of legislation that I have filed for the last 2 years, or two terms in Congress, H.R. 798 being this session's iteration. Both this bill and mine maintain the core structure of the WIA One-Stop System for the delivery of employment and training services. Both increase coordination and alignment of workforce development programs. Both eliminate the ``sequence of services'' requirement that currently prevents workers from receiving training until they receive other unnecessary services. Both preserve the integrity of the three State formula grant programs for youth, adults, and dislocated workers. Both maintain the current business majority requirement and specify that a minimum of 20 percent of the board be represented by the workforce. Both include nearly identical performance accountability measures, and both preserve and protect the adult literacy program in title II. Both maintain the current vocational rehabilitation administrative structure and delivery system and emphasize increasing the involvement of employers in the vocational rehab system. And the list goes on. Madam Speaker, modernizing and strengthening the Workforce Investment Act has been one of my top priorities since being elected to Congress, and I am pleased that we are just about at the finish line and that the bill before us today includes much of what I have proposed and advocated. Before reserving my time, I want to say this bill is likely to be the biggest jobs bill that passes the House and gets signed into law this session, but it is evidence also of what is achievable if we work together. I have long said that when it comes to the Workforce Investment Act, our areas of agreement far outnumber our areas of disagreement and that our differences were surmountable. Well, we finally got there. I want to thank Chairman Harkin, Senator Murray and Senator Alexander, Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Miller, Representative Foxx and Representative Hinojosa, and all the staff who were involved for their unwavering commitment to getting this done. This is good bipartisan bill. It deserves the support of the House so it can be cleared and be signed into law by President Obama. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Stanley Cahill for his 28 years of service at Salem State University, in Salem, Massachusetts, and to congratulate him on his retirement. Since 1986, Dr. Cahill has served the students and broader community at Salem State University. He joined the university as the Dean of Student Life where he created the university's first professional student affairs program and laid the foundation for the program that exists today. Most recently, Dr. Cahill served as the University's Executive Vice President. In this role, he led the university's enterprise risk management program and coordinated the majority of university contracts and memoranda of understanding between the university and other agencies with which the university collaborates. It is not surprising that after nearly three decades with the university, Dr. Cahill has become well known to many in the Salem community. He has fostered relationships with local officials and university neighbors and strengthened the partnership between the university and the City of Salem. Dr. Cahill served Salem State University at a time of dynamic growth and increased diversity, and he had a decidedly positive influence on the institution's growth and enhanced reputation. On a personal note, and as one who is a Salem State alumnus and former trustee, I add my appreciation for all that Dr. Cahill has done for the university and the surrounding communities. Dr. Cahill has had a remarkable career in higher education that has spanned more than 40 years and four universities and colleges. I congratulate Stan on this achievement and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. I appreciate that from my colleague. The reason this mother supports the bill is that she knows it is going to help her daughter pay her loans in a reasonable way, while pursuing other goals this life. This is really, Mr. Speaker, about whose side are you on. Are we on the side of special interests and allowing them to continue tax favors, while middle class Americans end up lugging around this heavy burden of debt? I am on the side of that concerned mother and her daughter and others in this country who are concerned about their children's future. Let's bring this bill to the floor for a vote.

Mr. TIERNEY. I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge the House to act on responsible legislation that I have introduced that would help tens of millions of college students, graduates, parents, and middle class families all across the country refinance their existing loans to the same low rate offered to new borrowers in the student loan program. As the President said earlier this week when he voiced support for this bill, this should be a no-brainer. Homeowners and small businesses are so often able to refinance their debts, there is no reason at all that students and parents shouldn't be able to do the same. Refinancing would be a significant financial help to these students and their parents. In fact, a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service showed that a middle class undergraduate student with an average loan debt would save more than $4,000 over the life of that loan. A typical graduate student would save more than $2,500, and a typical parent who borrowed to pay for their child's education would save $3,500 or more. As my colleagues know, these savings would be invested right back into the economy. Last year, the Center for American Progress estimated that refinancing of just some of these Federal loans would pump $21 billion into the economy. That is because these people are going to be able to save $40 to $100 a month--thousands over the course of their loan--and they have expenses and necessities for which they have to pay. Our bill is a good deal for taxpayers. Last week, the Congressional Budget Office scored our bill as generating $72.5 billion in savings over 10 years. Mr. Speaker, more and more constituents are writing my office, emailing, posting on my Facebook page, and even stopping me on the street to talk about stories about how their children are buried in student loan debt. Two days ago, I received an email from a concerned mother in my district. This is what she had to say: she and her husband followed the rules and have been able to own their own home and support two children up to adulthood, but she feels that her daughter would not be able to do the same, as she currently owes $60,000 in college loans. Her interest rates vary from 6.5 percent to 8.5 percent. She is drowning in her own debt, and she is only 24 years of age.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation that I filed in the House this week and Senator Elizabeth Warren filed in the Senate. It would enable tens of millions of students, parents, and families to responsibly refinance their student loans. More and more, constituents are calling, they are emailing, and even approaching me on the street to share their stories of how they are buried in student loan debt. This debt is not only causing them to put on hold life decisions, such as moving out of their parents' house or buying a car or purchasing a home and getting married, but it is also leading some to question whether or not they should even enroll in college or to consider dropping out because of the pure shock factor of these looming college loans. A young woman from Boxford, Massachusetts, wrote recently. She said to me: I pay more than the minimum balance every month. I sacrifice daily for my loans. I live at home and have a 50- minute commute to work every day because I cannot afford to live on my own or even with roommates. I cannot have the dreams that I have dreamed all my life. I am 23, and I am already telling myself that I can't own a house, that I will probably never have children because I can't afford to bring them into the world and take care of them when I can't even afford to live myself. That is what I live with every day, the anger, the depression, and the disbelief that I am forever stuck. Parents are calling and writing me about the anxiety and concern they have about the debt their sons and daughters have accumulated. Some parents have even delayed their retirement or made early withdrawals from their 401(k) just to help their children's student debt problem. A mother from Middleton, Massachusetts, wrote to me and said: I have two children with multiple student loans. It is difficult enough to graduate, find a job in the field they desire and to pay loans, rent, and bills, et cetera. Please do all that you can to make sure rates are not increased. My children may never afford to buy a house and live the American Dream because of college student loan debt. Mr. Speaker, these are just two examples in my district. There are millions of others just like them throughout this country. Outstanding student loans now total more than $1.2 trillion, surpassing total credit card debt. An estimated 71 percent of college seniors had debt in 2012, with an average outstanding debt of $29,400 for those who borrowed to get a bachelor's degree. Last year, Congress sought to address the issue of student loan rates, but I and several others believed that final bill didn't go far enough. One of the deficiencies was that it only applied to new student debt. It did nothing for the nearly 40 million Americans with existing student debts. Our bill simply rights this wrong and simply gives students the opportunity to refinance their loan debt at the same low rate being offered to new borrowers in the student loan program. Homeowners and businesses are often able to refinance their debts. Shouldn't student borrowers be able to do the same? We certainly think so. Our legislation is also deficit-neutral and paid for by implementing the so-called Buffett rule, which holds millionaires and billionaires accountable to pay their fair share in taxes. Student loan debt is a crisis all throughout our country. It is making a generation of Americans feel like they are ``forever stuck,'' in the words of my constituent. But if the moral imperative isn't enough to act, we should be mindful of the benefits to the economy as a whole for allowing students to refinance their loans. The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service produced an analysis of our bill indicating that certain borrowers could save thousands of dollars. This is a savings that no doubt would be invested back into the economy. Last year, the Center for American Progress estimated that the refinancing of just Federal student loans would have pumped $21 billion into the economy. Mr. Speaker, our bill will benefit millions of students and their families, and it will boost our economy. It deserves the immediate action of this House.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christine Sullivan on her retirement and thank her for her dedicated service to the residents and small businesses in the Sixth District, and throughout Massachusetts. For the last twelve years, Christine has served as the CEO of the Enterprise Center at Salem State University. Under Christine's leadership, the Enterprise Center has grown to provide numerous opportunities for local small businesses to improve and expand their operations. The Center offers more than 70 annual business skill workshops as well as a variety of specialized development programs including the Million Dollar Women Symposium, the 128 Venture North Breakfast series, and an extensive Mentor Program and the Growth Program. The Enterprise Center currently works with more than 6,000 small business owners and employees in more than 142 communities throughout the state. Before joining the Enterprise Center, Christine founded and served as CEO of Hawthorne Associates, a marketing, advertising and public relations firm serving clients in the US and internationally. Christine also served as Massachusetts Secretary of Consumer Affairs, Chief of Staff to former Congressman Michael Harrington, and Chair of the Communications Department at Endicott College. Christine not only serves her community through her work at the Enterprise Center, she serves as a Director of Beverly Cooperative Bank, the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development, the Salem YMCA, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Salem Award for Human Rights and Social Justice, and the Creative Economy Council of Massachusetts. I congratulate Christine on her successful career and wish her well as she begins her retirement.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Claudia Neidhardt for her 17 years working in my district office and serving the people of the Sixth District of Massachusetts. Claudia, a longtime resident of Newburyport, began working in my District office just months after I was first elected to Congress in 1997. For nearly two decades she has been the voice constituents have come to trust when they call my office seeking assistance. Not only has Claudia served as the face of the office, she has assisted hundreds of constituents in applying for admission to military academies, obtaining passports and travel documentation, and navigating the intricacies of any number of government agencies. She has organized dozens of Congressional Art Competitions and stood with young constituents whose artwork has been chosen to hang in the halls of Congress each year. Claudia's kindness and compassion toward the constituents of the Sixth District as well as her colleagues has truly made her the glue of my district office. Claudia's commitment to youth is of special note. She has created a positive, welcoming environment for the many young women and men who have worked with us through the years, demonstrating that public service is indeed an honorable profession. When I have the pleasure of running into our former interns, or those who have sought to serve our nation while continuing their education at one of our service academies, they often ask about Claudia and express how much they appreciate her care and personal attention to them. I wish Claudia all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life alongside her husband Fred, their two children, Brian and Meg, and her grandchildren.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Sanger and thank him both for his service to our country in the United States Army and the Massachusetts National Guard, as well as for his dedication to the constituents of the Sixth District of Massachusetts. Michael joined my office in 2012 as part of the Wounded Warrior Congressional Fellowship Program. This program provides opportunities for veterans who served on active duty since September 11, 2001. Veterans are accepted into the program to broaden their career opportunities through experience working in a congressional office. Prior to joining my office, Michael served as an infantryman in the United States Army. He served in Iraq for 15 months with the 725th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, and his career in the Army has spanned over ten years. While Michael fulfilled his Fellowship, he also served as an Explosives Ordnance Technician in the Massachusetts National Guard. It was in this capacity that Michael was called upon by the Boston Police Department and the F.B.I. to assist in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings last year. Michael put the skills and experience he developed in the Army to use as a Veterans Caseworker for my district office. In this capacity, Michael helped ensure that local veterans were able to obtain the benefits which they earned, and that veterans' inquiries were effectively addressed. Michael has been a true asset in these efforts, bringing key insight and perspective to his work. As Michael embarks on his next endeavor, I congratulate him on his achievements and thank him for his outstanding service.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, 2 months ago today, emergency unemployment benefits expired for over 1 million Americans, including 20,000 veterans, and yet this House still has not taken up legislation to provide these workers and their families necessary relief. That is shameful. I rise to ask immediate action on my legislation, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, which provides a 3-month extension of benefits. 183 Members of the House--over 90 percent of the Democratic Caucus--have signed on to my bill. Constituents from across my district and across the country have been sharing heartbreaking stories of hardship and pain because these benefits have expired. One constituent, VeraMae of Lynn, Massachusetts, wrote to me and said: I am one of the people whose benefits expired at the end of the last year. My husband and I have tapped out all of our savings, and I'm beside myself with worry wondering how to make the little that we have remaining last longer. It is a mistake to eliminate this crucial safety net for those of us struggling to get back on our feet. We should not leave VeraMae and others just like her out in the cold another day longer. If the moral imperative to act isn't enough, Mr. Speaker, perhaps we should consider the economic benefits of extending unemployment insurance. In fact, economists agree that unemployment insurance is one of the best ways to spur economic growth, delivering $1.52 in economic activity for every dollar spent. This House should pass that bill immediately.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, some 1.3 million workers have lost their jobless benefits as of December 28. That number grows by an estimated 72,000 more a week. In my home State of Massachusetts, alone, some 62,915 families have been adversely impacted, and that includes 20,000 veterans. We can hear the urgency of families who have exhausted every avenue, have exhausted the savings, the generosity of family and friends, even as they look for work. About 4 million people have been cut out of work for 27 weeks or longer. They have about a 12 percent chance of finding a new job in any given month. There are still not enough jobs to go around, almost three unemployed workers per every job opening. That is worse than the ratio at any point during the 2001 recession. If the fate of individuals doesn't move the Members of this Chamber, perhaps a look at the economy would. For every $1 of unemployment insurance, the economic impact is a positive $1.52. That is money with which to buy essential services and products of our local and small businesses, who greatly need that demand. Seventeen times over the last decade or so we have extended benefits in a bipartisan manner. Fourteen of those times were bipartisan in nature, and five of those were under the administration of George W. Bush. The urgency is now; the need is critical. I have introduced, Madam Speaker, the responsible legislation, entitled the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act, H.R. 3824. It has over 140 cosponsors already, even though it has been filed only a matter of days. Speaker Boehner should bring this bill to the floor immediately for a vote. Let us act now and extend it for 3 months, and help our neighbors help themselves as we help our Nation.

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring forward H.R. 3824 to end the Republicans' unconscionable refusal to extend the unemployment insurance which, in my State, would benefit some 62,900 workers in search of work.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, colleagues, this is the final amendment to the bill, and, as you know, it will not kill the bill. It will not send it back to committee. If this motion is adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. And I ask you to consider doing that. Over the last several years, it is my understanding that FERC has approved 69 major natural gas pipelines. They span over 3,000 miles in 30 States with a total capacity of nearly 30 billion cubic feet per day. The Government Accountability Office, the firm that does our research for us, has found that FERC's pipeline permitting is predictable, it is consistent, and it gets pipelines built. For some reason, the underlying bill replaces that existing natural gas permitting process with a process that appears to be arbitrary, unworkable, and a one- size-fits-all approach. The bill would force regulatory agencies to comply with what many believe are unreasonable permitting deadlines--1 year for FERC and 3 months for other permitting agencies--to render decisions on applications no matter how complex they are and potentially before the public risks are fully understood, particularly by our local areas. If the underlying bill didn't attempt to fix an existing permitting process that many, including the pipeline trade association, agree is not broken, then perhaps my amendment wouldn't be necessary. If the majority had supported any of the responsible amendments that were proposed by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and others here a little while ago, perhaps it wouldn't be necessary. But it is necessary. The motion states that this bill will not take effect until FERC determines its implementation will not adversely impact natural gas pipeline safety and that it will not inhibit the ability of communities to engage in the process of siting natural gas pipelines. The motion seeks to protect public safety. It seeks to ensure that our constituents continue to have a voice in the permitting process. Madam Speaker, I don't believe that that is too much to ask. It shouldn't be. So let's, please, do the reasonable thing. Let's stand up for safety. Let's stand up for our local constituencies and communities and support this motion. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIERNEY. I am in its current form.

Mr. TIERNEY. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill. It will not kill the bill. It will not send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, over 70 million Americans and their families depend on 401(k)s and similar retirement plans for their retirement security. Veterans, seniors, and middle class workers and families in my district in Massachusetts--in fact, in those districts of all of my colleagues-- are concerned about their pensions, 401(k) plans, and retirement savings. A retired worker from Danvers, Massachusetts, in my district, recently called my office and shared concerns about her pension. She believed it is at risk, and she has no other means of income. That constituent of mine shares the same situation as do many across this country, believing that their retirement is at risk and that they have no other means of income. Millions of Americans are worried that they won't have adequate resources to retire with dignity after decades of work, and those who are retired, like that constituent from Danvers, feel that what they have won't last. Retirement plans can also be subject to fraud and abuse. Last year, the Department of Labor recovered almost $1.3 billion that was misappropriated from retirement plans. It included over $800 million in prohibited transactions. The Department of Labor reportedly filed indictments against 117 persons for crimes related to employee benefit plans. In 401(k) and similar plans, workers have to make investment decisions, and to do so, they need access to reliable investment advice. The motion to recommit is straightforward. It simply states that the bill does not prohibit action from being taken on the following three things: It does not prohibit the Secretary of Labor from using regulations to prevent fraud in regard to pensions, 401(k) plans, and other retirement savings accounts for seniors, veterans, and other Americans; It does not prohibit the Secretary of Labor from using regulations to require the disclosure of any fees so as to promote transparency and accountability; It would promote investment education and sound financial advice. Veterans, seniors, and the over 70 million investors who depend on 401(k)s and IRAs for their future security deserve to know that these kinds of responsible actions can be taken on their behalf. I think everyone here agrees. I ask my colleagues for their support of this motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIERNEY. I am opposed to it in its current form.

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Rose Mary Sargent for her 16 years working in my district office and serving the people of the Sixth District of Massachusetts. Rose Mary came to work in my District Office soon after I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1997. Born in Costa Rica, Rose Mary grew up and attended public schools in San Jose, California. Having received her undergraduate degree at College Luis Dobles Segreda, she completed her secondary education at North Shore Community College in my district. Rose Mary's intricate knowledge of the immigration system, her Spanish-speaking abilities, and her enthusiasm to assist others made her a perfect candidate for managing immigration and refugee casework. Throughout her tenure with my office, Rose Mary has assisted thousands of people and has not only guided constituents through the complex immigration system, but she has also contributed to public education regarding the benefits of immigration to our communities. In what spare time she has, Rose Mary volunteers as an active member of the community of Lynn. She founded several organizations and currently serves as an Executive Board member for at least three others. Among the organizations she helped found are VOCES--Guardians Against AIDS, the Lynn Hispanic Festival, and Lynn's Cultural Diversity Task Force. And she has done all of this while balancing her responsibilities as a mother of two adult daughters and a grandmother to five. Rose Mary's dedication to the people of the City of Lynn and the entire Sixth District of Massachusetts is well-known. She has dedicated her career to improving her community and building ``ladders of opportunity'' for all. I congratulate Rose Mary on her remarkable career and wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. TIERNEY

Mr. TIERNEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the essence of this provision is included in the Democratic substitute amendment that Mr. Miller is offering with the intent of protecting children's safety in all the schools throughout the country. Mr. Miller wants to thank the gentleman for joining the Democrats in this effort. Congressman Fitzpatrick's amendment would require all schools to conduct comprehensive background checks for all of their employees, including FBI fingerprint checks, State criminal records, child abuse registries, and the National Sex Offender Registry. The amendment also includes a critical provision that denies Federal funds to schools from employing any individual who is found by these checks to be a potential danger to children. Schools would also lose Federal funds if they transfer such employee to another school, which unfortunately happens too many times. Tragically, the abuse of students by trusted adults has become a regular occurrence. We read about students being abused in the headlines. Every child deserves a safe and abuse-free learning environment. That's why we include a similar provision in the Democratic substitute and why earlier this session Mr. Miller introduced a similar bill, the Protecting Students From Sexual and Violent Predators Act, H.R. 2083. That bill overwhelmingly passed the House in a bipartisan fashion just 2\1/2\ years ago. Mr. Miller's bill and his amendment are stronger versions of Mr. Fitzpatrick's amendment because his provisions also cover school contractors, and the checks also include any crime against a child, even if it's a misdemeanor. But this amendment is a step in the right direction. This amendment and these provisions are needed in Federal law, Mr. Chairman, because according to a recent General Accountability Office study conducted by Mr. Miller's office, State laws are inconsistent in their coverage of the types of checks, types of crimes covered, and the individuals who must be checked. Some States only check licensed employees, and some States don't check contractors, leading to some school districts unknowingly hiring offenders. Children in school need to be safe from any adult who has access to them, regardless of their position. The GAO investigations also highlighted a wide range of cases in numerous States where convicted sex offenders working in schools had previously targeted children. In other cases, the GAO found that districts knowingly passed a potential predator to another school district, allowing the offender to resign instead of reporting him. The inconsistencies and glaring holes in the way schools screen prospective employees lead to gaps in student protection and all too often to abuse. A child's safety in school is too important to leave to chance. We must ensure all children, regardless of where they live, are free from the abuse of violent sexual predators. There is no place for this in our Nation's schools. The vast majority of school staff is trustworthy and work hard every day to support students' learning needs. We honor and respect their work, which is so central to the success of the Nation. These criminal background checks are essential, however, to ensure that schools and school districts are doing everything they possibly can to protect children's safety. That is the most fundamental of our priorities. Mr. Chairman, again we want to thank Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Meehan for offering this amendment and urge a ``yes'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of amendment No. 8 offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. TIERNEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but simply the notion is that States that were already at fault for not doing the job, now get to not do the job again as long as their State legislatures are the ones that make the decision. The language doesn't make it quite as simple as to how they'll vote in the State legislature. There will be a delay, if it's done at all. And if a State should make the unwise decision, as they have done historically, which gave the reason for us being involved at all in the first place at the Federal level, then you're cutting education money; you're not applying it to the use of educating disadvantaged students. I yield back the balance of my time.