[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1212] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. BARBARA LEE of california in the house of representatives Friday, August 2, 2013 Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, I cast a ``no'' vote on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1911--Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 (roll call vote 426). While I was pleased that there was a bipartisan effort to maintain low interest rates on subsidized student loans, unfortunately this compromise will ultimately increase interest rates on all Federal Direct Loans, including subsidized loans. As a proud original co- sponsor of H.R. 1979, the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act, I believe students should be allowed to borrow funds at the same low rate that banks borrow from the Federal Reserve. It's essential that our students come out of college with not only good skills, but without the burden of manageable debt so that they can get good jobs and truly thrive. I look forward to working to make college more affordable and financial aid more accessible for students. ____________________