Legislation to open access to 4-year public colleges in American Samoa and the Northern Marianas lost by 1 vote in House Committee Tuesday.
We go to our correspondent in Washington DC Matt Kaye for details:
Northern Marianas Congressman Greg Kilili Sablan offered his amendment to a bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Actin the House Education and the Workforce Committee.
Sablan offered similar measures in two previous Congresses, but this time, came within striking distance, to federally fund the last two years of college for graduates of American Samoa Community College and Northern Marianas College.
Two Republicans voted with all Democrats on the committee, but Sablan’s amendment still lost by one-vote, 19 for, 20 against.
Sablan argues the Northern Marianas and American Samoa are the only US jurisdictions without a 4-year public college, where students can complete a bachelor’s degree.
He adds that District of Columbia students receive federal help to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities anywhere in the US.
Sablan says nonresident students spend an average of $14,480 more per year in out-of-state tuition and fees than their resident peers at public four-year colleges, according to College Board.
He says students in American Samoa and the Marianas who want to go to a four-year school after they get their community college degree, face both the cost of nonresident tuition and huge travel expenses.
But Sablan is not giving up…he says he can still bring up his amendment in the House Rules Committee, and when the bill comes to the floor for a vote.
