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Opening Statement of Representative Jon Porter (R-NV) "Beyond Baccalaureate: Graduate Programs in the Higher Education Act” September 9, 2003 Good Afternoon. I am Representative Jon Porter and a member of the Subcommittee on Select Education. Unfortunately, Chairman Hoekstra had an obligation to travel to Iraq with another committee and is unable to join us today. Thank you for joining us for our hearing today entitled, “Beyond Baccalaureate: Graduate Programs in the Higher Education Act.” We appreciate your willingness to share your insights and expertise about the various graduate programs authorized under Title VII of the Higher Education Act and offer suggestions for the reauthorization of this title. This hearing is another in our continuing series focusing on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act offers Congress an opportunity to enact needed reforms to the programs covered under the Act, with the goal of building upon those that are working well, and improving those in need of update. The reauthorization process is guided by four principles – affordability, accessibility, consumer empowerment, and fairness. Each of these principles will help us in meeting our goals to expand postsecondary education opportunities for needy students, both undergraduate and graduate. The principles will also help to realign programs to place a priority on serving students who seek to enroll in college and have the dream of pursuing graduate studies. Through this reauthorization, we will be working diligently to ensure that the federal contribution to higher education is expanding access to students at all levels. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over Title VII in the Higher Education Act and as such, we are here today to learn more about the programs that are authorized and funded under Title VII, which are some of the oldest programs of federal support to higher education. With the passage of the Higher Education Act in 1965, Congress made great strides in highlighting the importance of postsecondary education. For the first time, many were afforded the opportunity to pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. Countless numbers of students have taken advantage of these programs and as a result our nation has enjoyed the benefits of a more educated society. As we enter the 21st Century, the need for advanced education is becoming increasingly more crucial to successfully maintaining our place in the technologically-advanced economy. Now, more than ever, our citizens are obtaining graduate degrees in order to gain more expertise in their field of study. Currently, nearly 2 million students attend one of over 1,800 graduate school programs in our country. And, this number is on the rise. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, total graduate enrollment in the United States rose by 3 percent between 2000 and 2001 and is expected to rise in the coming years. Graduate education produces immeasurable benefits for our nation. Not only do these programs enrich our citizenry, but they also nurture discovery and innovation that will someday lead to medical and technological advancements. Graduate programs also train the next generation of researchers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, poets, and professors. These individuals will be vitally important in preparing the United States to meet the challenges of the future. Title VII of the Higher Education Act authorizes three graduate fellowship programs: The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship program, and the Thurgood Marshall Legal Educational Opportunity program. Collectively, they encourage students to advance their knowledge in scientific and technical fields, the arts and humanities, and legal studies by providing financial assistance as well as support services to those displaying academic excellence in their field of study. Each year, Congress appropriates nearly $45 million to assist these students in pursuing their goals. I am expecting some of our witnesses here today will also discuss the need to highlight specific disciplines that need to be considered under the Title VII programs. I will be interested to hear how we can address these issues under the current programs. As we move forward with the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), we must continue to build on the success of these valuable programs that prepare the next generation of scholars. Graduate education is essential to maintaining our place in the world economy. I look forward to hearing from our distinguished witnesses and any recommendations they may have to improve and enhance these programs, as well as address issues for graduate education that are not currently met through Title VII. With that, I would yield to my colleague, Mr. Hinojosa, for any opening statement that he might have. |