Ellen Smith, assistant vice president, represents and informs the Univesity on issues such as financial aid, Medicare and Medicaid, research funds and tax policies as they pertain to higher education.

Where to Find It

The Federal Relations Web is accessible on the Administration and Index pages of ColumbiaWeb.


VOL. 23, NO. 16	FEBRUARY 27, 1998

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Rupp Meets with Members of Congress

BY ELLEN S. SMITH

resident Clinton has proposed a new “High Hopes” plan, which would encourage private/public mentoring projects for students in middle schools through high school. Legislation embodying the proposal will be sent to Congress soon.

President George Rupp shared information about Columbia’s programs with the Clinton Administration before the plan was drafted.

In his visit to Capitol Hill last week, Rupp discussed science policy and higher education reauthorization with Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D.–N.Y.), Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D.–N.Y.), Congressman Rick Lazio (R.–N.Y.), Congressman Charles Rangel (D.–N.Y.), House Science Committee Chairman Vern Ehlers (R–Mich.), Congressman Major Owens (D.–N.Y.) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D.–N.J.).

Both the House and the Senate return to Washington next week. In the House, the Education Committee may begin considering the Higher Education Reauthorization Bill, which sets the optimal guidelines for many student aid programs over the next five years.

As has been previously reported, the House Science Committee has created a web site so that individuals can interact with its staff about ideas for science policy for the 21st century. The address is: http://www.house.gov/science/science_policy_study.htm.

For additional information on any of these issues, contact Ellen S. Smith, assistant vice president and director of federal relations, ess9@columbia.edu.