Conyers: To Prevent Student Loan Rate Increase, Conservatives Would Jeopardize Women’s Health than End Big Oil Subsidies

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) voted against a Republican bill, H.R. 4628, that cuts funding to programs important to women and children’s health.  Representative Conyers strongly supports blocking the scheduled increase in student loan debt but favors a Democratic alternative bill, H.R. 4816, which offsets the cost by closing corporate tax loopholes for Big Oil companies.  The Republican proposal would divert funds from the Prevention and Public Health Fund (“PPH Fund”), created as part of the landmark Affordable Care Act.  The PPH Fund provides funding for critical programs, including breast and cervical cancer screenings and vaccinations for underserved children.        

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“I am glad the Conservative Majority has finally agreed with President Obama that Congress must take steps to prevent the scheduled doubling of student loan rates,” said Conyers. “If the economy is to continue recovering, Congress must take steps to ensure that America’s students do not graduate into the job market saddled with unnecessary extra debt.  However, I cannot support a bill that would offset the cost of doing so by slashing funding to programs critical to the health of middle and working class women and their families. 

“Only this Conservative Majority could come up with a ‘solution’ that hinges on cutting spending for women’s health rather than ending corporate tax subsidies to Big Oil companies.  I strongly support the Democratic alternative bill that blocks this unnecessary increase in student loan rates and pays for it by closing corporate tax loopholes.  The entire Nation reaps the benefits of a well-educated, healthy population and it is time that every sector of our society pay its fair share.”            

  

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