The Pell Grant isn't even keeping up with inflation, let alone college costs.

The American college system is still the best in the world but an increasing reliance on huge federal loans is having serious consequences for students' future careers and personal lives.

Increasing the Pell-Grant is critical as students face higher college costs across the country. As costs go up, the Pell-Grant unfortunately stays the same.

Studies have shown that high; unmet need is a barrier to college for many low-income students. The bill will gradually lower charges for some students, known as origination fees, over the next five years.

We call on President Bush to uphold the commitment to American economic competitiveness that he made in the State of the Union address by vetoing this bill and pushing for more affordable student loan policy.

This bill turns to students and families as the predominant source of revenue, rather than trying to identify inefficiencies in the loan programs. This bill asks students and parents to pay for tax cuts.