House

As a result of some movement in committee assignments, The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that proponents of a direct loan-based program could be gaining an influential supporter on the House Committee on Education.

Rep. Thomas Petri (R-WI) is next in line to succeed Rep. Howard P. McKeon, who will leave the education panel to serve as the highest-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee. Petri is known to be a fervent supporter of the direct lending program.

If Mr. Petri replaces Mr. McKeon, the committee’s Democrats could face less opposition from Republicans to President Obama’s proposal to eliminate the guaranteed-student-loan program. Congress has until mid-October to decide whether to abolish the bank-based program or make less drastic changes in student lending.

This is encouraging news. As we strive to improve the financing of our educational system, we've got to be able to look at new solutions, especially ones that don't involve middlemen who have college students begging for financial mercy. Hopefully Petri will be more receptive to legislation that strengthens the direct connection between the government and those it is helping.

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