Pete Sessions votes against student loan overhaul

In a near-party line vote, the House passed H.R. 3221 which would shift student loan financing to federal programs, away from private banks. From Chicago Tribune:

The bill, passed on a party-line vote of 253-171, would save $87 billion over 10 years by abolishing subsidies to banks that have been criticized as excessive, supporters said. Most of the money saved would be channeled to increases in Pell grants for low-income students.

"We can either keep sending these subsidies to banks or we can start sending them directly to students," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., lead sponsor of the bill.

According to Dallas Morning News, Texas ranks second in the nation in student loan defaults; still, no Republicans in the Texas delegation cross party lines to support this bill (see Roll No. 719)

Pete Sessions says "no" to foreclosure prevention, road and bridge safety

Pete Sessions was one of only 55 House members to vote against H.R. 3999, to "improve the safety of Federal-aid highway bridges, to strengthen bridge inspection standards and processes, and to increase investment in the reconstruction of structurally deficient bridges on the National Highway System." (See Congress.Org) The bill passed 367-55,12 Not Voting (See Roll Call 530.

Pete Sessions also voted against a Senate amendment to H.R. 3221, to prevent homeowners from going into foreclosure. The bill passed 272-152. (See Roll No. 519).