[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 136 (Friday, September 14, 2007)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1877] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS of new york in the house of representatives Friday, September 14, 2007 Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, while I was unavoidably absent during the final passage of the Conference Report to H.R. 2669, had I been present, I would have voted in support of the Conference Report. The College Cost Reduction Act will add nearly $11.5 billion for Pell Grants, which will directly help 5.5 million low-income students attend college. While I had serious concerns about much of the runaway spending included in the legislation, I supported this legislation because it is important that higher education become more accessible and affordable for working families. The Conference Report included measures to achieve this goal. I have long supported and was pleased to see substantial funding increases in particular for Pell Grants and TRIO/Upward Bound. As a parent and a grandparent, I understand the need to ensure students are afforded every opportunity to attend college. ____________________