Fattah Statement on Passing of Former Senator James Jeffords

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) released the following statement on the passing of former Vermont Senator James Jeffords. Fattah and Jeffords were the co-architects of the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs):

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former U.S. Senator James Jeffords and send my sincere condolences to the Jeffords family today.

"Senator Jeffords was a committed public servant, a man deeply devoted to Vermont, and a leader on educational issues as Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in the Senate. I was privileged to work closely with him and the late Senator Ted Kennedy to pass GEAR UP, a milestone college access program. Leading the charge in the Senate, Jim shepherded the legislation through the HELP Committee and helped shape the infrastructure of GEAR UP, molding it after a similar and successful model he championed in Vermont.

"Senator Jeffords had a lifetime commitment to improving education in this country, and today he is remembered by the GEAR UP community for helping to pave the way for 13 million low-income students to attain their high school diploma and attend college. I am proud to join with my colleagues in Congress, the State of Vermont, and the education community in honoring his legacy today, and always."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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