Senate Democrats Let Interest Rates on Student Loans Double, POTUS Admits ObamaCare is Unworkable, & More

JULY 7, 2013 | VIEW ONLINE In this week’s Speaker Alert, we’re taking a look at Senate Democrats’ decision to let interest rates on student loans double, President Obama’s admission that his health care law is a drag on the economy, and more. MAKING COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) says students deserve a fairer student loan process than what exists today, “one free of politics that allows you to take advantage of lower rates and have more peace of mind.” Watch her here:  Interest rates on student loans doubled on July 1:  The rate hike “follow[ed] top Senate Democrats’ rejection of a bipartisan compromise supported by the president.” We could have easily avoided this. Here’s how. “Republicans have acted”: “Republicans have passed common-sense legislation mirroring the president’s plan to stop student loans from doubling and make college more affordable,” said Speaker Boehner. “Now we need the Democratic-controlled Senate to act”: Rep. Jenkins called on Senate Democrats to stop playing politics and pass bipartisan student loan reform when they return to work this week. Students deserve smarter solutions: Compare the current student loan program with the bipartisan plan passed by the House that “reduces current rates for all college borrowers and saves students up to $1,413.” ADMITTING OBAMACARE IS AN UNWORKABLE “TRAIN WRECK” President delays central component of ObamaCare: In “the most consequential in a series of setbacks” for the “increasingly unsteady” health care law, the president delayed the employer mandate until 2015. “This is a clear acknowledgment that the law is unworkable”: Speaker Boehner added, “I hope the administration recognizes the need to release American families from the mandates of this law as well.” The president’s health care law is a train wreck: ObamaCare is driving up costs, pushing people out of coverage they like, threatening wages, making it harder for small businesses to hire, and giving the IRS vast new powers. Progress in stopping the train wreck: So far, seven bills passed by House Republicans that repeal or defund provisions of ObamaCare have been approved by the Senate and signed into law. Here’s another look. MORE FROM THE SPEAKER’S BLOG Speaker Boehner launches Flipboard magazine: If you use Flipboard on your iOS or Android device, you can find news from Speaker Boehner and the U.S. House in our new magazine, “H-232.” Click here to open. Who doesn’t love Independence Day? “The blessings our founders secured have given the common man and woman a chance to govern themselves and provide for their families,” said Speaker Boehner in a special Independence Day message. “It doesn't get any better than that.” Click here to watch Speaker Boehner’s “Here’s to the Spirit of ‘76” video on YouTube.

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