Thanks wikoogle for the inspiration. :)
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Health care reform + student loan reform. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Next!
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Benen:
.... let's also not overlook the importance of overhaul federal student loan programs. In a normal year, success on this front would itself be a major legislative victory, but it's been largely overshadowed of late because it was included in the health care package.
Nevertheless, the student loan provisions signed into law today are huge. A $40 billion boost in Pell Grants, a streamlined loan process, saving taxpayers billions, caps on what students will have to pay after graduation, loan forgiveness for veterans after 10 years -- this breakthrough legislation will make a dramatic impact in the lives of millions.
Democrats have wanted to pass this for decades, but it was always just out of reach. There was a real possibility that lobbyists would intervene again this year and kill the proposal once more. Thanks to the reconciliation process, success came together just a few weeks ago.
The president described both achievements as "two major victories in one week that will improve lives of our people for generations to come." It's a bold claim that happens to be true.
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Meet Veronique Dimyan, age 1. :)
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And some new stuff from official WH photographer, Pete Souza:
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President Barack Obama and the First Family mark the beginning of Passover with a Seder with friends and staff in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House, March 29, 2010.
President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One en route to Afghanistan, March 28, 2010.
President Barack Obama meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 28, 2010.
President Barack Obama and U.S. troops at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, March 28, 2010.