I emailed Rep John Hall (D-NY) about his views on the drug provision of the Higher Education Act, and here is what he wrote back to me:
Dear Mr. ___,
Thank you for contacting me regarding drug convictions and federal financial aid. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue. It is important to me as a freshman member of Congress to know what my constituents think on a wide range of issues as I study them and consider my vote.
Over the next year Congress is poised to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) and will examine a provision that suspends students from receiving financial support who are convicted for the sale or possession of controlled substances. Currently, HEA states that students who are enrolled in postsecondary education and receive federal student assistance will become ineligible for assistance if convicted for the sale or possession of a controlled substance. Critics of the provision argue that drugs are unfairly singled out as the only crime for which a student can lose financial aid eligibility; therefore, drug convictions are treated more harshly than rape, arson, or armed robbery.
I believe we need to treat drug offenses seriously, and must balance fair punishment with the ability of a college degree to provide opportunities for legal employment and upward mobility. At this time, HEA reauthorization has yet come to the House floor for a vote. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers this legislation.
If I can assist in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Hall
Member of Congress
Looking for the easiest way to join the anti-drug war movement? You've found it!
Politicians
It's amazing how quickly these guys learn doublespeak.I've had a problem or two that I've written to my representatives about and they never give any kind of answer.They do,however,blast you with a verbosity that boggles the mind.They must have a course on how to speak endlessly and say nothing.They're all experts.
verbose
With most of them, it is called law school training! Legaleze is the other form of speech they learn.
give that guy a raise
he has obviously earned it. that much double talk is hard work. oops, almost forgot. we (the people) don't give politicians raises. they do that themselves.
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