WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Student Loan Certainty Act, which Himes voted for along with a broad, bipartisan majority of his colleagues.

“I am pleased that the President has signed this bipartisan bill into law and hope this is a harbinger of more bipartisan work to come. This brings much-needed relief to current and former students buried under mountains of debt. Because of Congress’ failure to act last month, students with federal student loans were facing the prospect of seeing their interest rates doubled. By fixing the rate for the life of these loans, this new law will provide students with the certainty they need to finish their college careers and pay back their loans on time.

“But our work is not done: we must continue finding ways to make college and job training programs more affordable. The jobs of tomorrow will require training beyond high school, and our economic success depends on a well-educated and well-trained workforce. I am encouraged by the bipartisan manner in which this bill was passed, and it is my hope that we will be able to come together again to increase access to a quality higher education for all Americans.”