Pallone Unveils Legislation to Protect Student Loan Borrowers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2016

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ– Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his introduction of the Student Borrower Higher Education Lending Protection (“HELP”) Act, new legislation to protect student borrowers and co-signers from egregious debt collection practices. The legislation will address lending practices by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), including its refusal to allow loan forgiveness to a mother whose son died and a borrower who battled cancer and became unemployed after graduating from college. Congressman Pallone discussed the legislation with Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Senator Sandra Cunningham and students at Middlesex County College in Edison, NJ. Sweeney and Cunningham are working in Trenton to advance legislation that would also protect New Jersey students from abusive lending practices and make college more affordable and accessible.

The bill amends the Truth in Lending Act with three main provisions for private lenders, including HESSA. The provisions include:

• Requiring total loan forgiveness for any student borrower who is subsequently determined to have a permanent disability or any family member who is a cosigner of a loan taken out by a student borrower who dies.
• Deferment of loan payments (without any financial penalty) for borrowers with a temporary disability.
• Requiring private lenders to disclose the default rates in their student loan portfolio on loan documents so borrowers are aware before signing any documents of the financial risk of entering into a contract with that lender.

“To succeed in the 21st century economy young Americans needs to have access to higher education,” said Pallone. “However, too many New Jersey families face daunting student loan bills and financial institutions unwilling to provide flexibility for those facing hardships. The least we can do is protect those families that are put in extraordinarily difficult situations and protect them from harassment from debt collectors.”

“College affordability is a shared priority that Congressman Pallone is fighting for in Washington as we fight for it in Trenton,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney, who recently introduced a comprehensive, nine-part package of bills to help make higher education more affordable and more accessible. “Helping to reduce and control student debt is an important part of the effort. Students should be treated fairly when they take out loans and they should be treated fairly in managing their debt and making payments. I applaud Congressman Pallone for advocacy for the HELP Act. It provides consumer protections for college students and their families so they can afford a degree and can manage their loans. We can’t open the door of college opportunity for students only to slam it shut with the burden of debt. We must keep higher education available and affordable for all students.”

In August, Congressman Pallone solicited opinions from students at Rutgers University on their experiences with student loans and what they would do to assist New Jersey families facing $31 billion in student loan debt. Congressman Pallone is already the cosponsor of HR 1434, the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, which would allow undergraduate borrowers repaying private or public student loans to refinance those loans at an interest rate of 3.86 percent.

Pallone to Hold Student Loan Workshop, November 12

RSVP by November 9

LONG BRANCH, NJ – On November 12th, Congressman Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will hold a Federal Student Aid workshop at Rutgers University in Piscataway for students on how to make college affordable. The Congressman will discuss his efforts in Congress to reduce student loan debt, and students will have the opportunity to speak with him, as well as Department of Education representatives and Rutgers University financial aid officers. The Department of Education representatives will provide information on federal grants and discuss the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how to properly complete the form.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, November 12 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Rutgers Visitor Center at 100 Sutphen Rd., Piscataway, NJ. Interested students should RSVP to Amit Jani at (732) 571-1140.

“The Student Loan Workshop will be a great opportunity for students to learn more about one of the major challenges facing their generation – making college more affordable,” said Congressman Pallone. “A college education is one of the most valuable investments a family can make, but today, millions of graduates are entering the workforce burdened with tens of thousands of dollars of debt. Understanding the options for federal grants and student aid is a tremendous advantage. I am glad that my office, along with the Department of Education and Rutgers University, will be able to shine light on the process for high school students and their families.”

President Obama's Weekly Address 3/14/15: A Student Aid Bill of Rights

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama laid out his vision for quality, affordable higher education for all Americans. Today, a college degree is the surest ticket to the middle class and beyond, but it has also never been more expensive. Everyone, from elected officials to universities to business leaders, has a part to play in making college affordable for all students. The President has already made historic investments in college education affordability, and earlier this week, he announced a Student Aid Bill of Rights – a set of guiding principles behind his vision for affordable education. In his address the President urged everyone to visit WhiteHouse.gov/CollegeOpportunity and sign this declaration, because together we can ensure students who work hard for a college degree do not graduate saddled with debt.

President Obama's Weekly Address 1/17/14: State of the Union Is This Tuesday

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President recounted the stories of letter writers from around the country who will be joining him when he delivers his annual State of the Union Address this Tuesday: Carolyn, who was able to expand her small business through a Small Business Administration loan, and this year raised wages for their hourly employees; Jason, a wounded warrior who served in Afghanistan and is now back home with his wife and first daughter, born in November; and Victor, who affords his student loans with help from the Income Based Repayment Plan, and has health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act. Stories like theirs are proof of the progress our country has made. The President encouraged everyone to tune in Tuesday evening to hear more about America’s comeback, and the steps we can take to ensure all Americans – not just a fortunate few – benefit from our American resurgence.

The Middle Class Jumpstart

The following is a newsletter from Congressman Frank Pallone:

As your Member of Congress, my focus has always been and will always be ensuring that every American, regardless of their race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or socio-economic status, has a fair shot at making it in this country.

Frank Pallone

Unfortunately, Republicans continue to ignore legislation in Congress that would safeguard this essential element of the American Dream. Instead, they have chosen to double-down on political stunts and partisan gridlock. Meanwhile, the American middle class remains on the losing end.

Democrats in Congress, however, have proposed a legislative initiative – called “the Middle Class Jumpstart” – that addresses the challenges facing the middle class with a three-prong strategy:

• Providing tax incentives for creating good-paying jobs here at home, as well as authorizing the repair and modernization of America’s roads, rails, bridges and broadband technology

• Guaranteeing both women and men get equal pay for equal work, as well as strengthening the “Violence Against Women Act” and expanding access to comprehensive health care and family planning

• Making college more affordable and allow students to refinance their college loans to new, lower rates, as well as increasing access to effective early childhood learning

I remain committed to passing these bills and revitalizing our middle class to ensure our nation remains prosperous and rich with opportunity for all Americans.

Frank Pallone
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 8/16/14 : Everyone Should Be Able to Afford Higher Education

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, with schools getting ready to open their doors again over the next few weeks, the President talked directly to students and parents about the importance of preparing for an education beyond high school. In today’s economy, some higher education continues to be the surest ticket to the middle class, but for too many families across the country, paying for higher education is a constant struggle. The President and First Lady know this first hand – they only finished paying off their student loans ten years ago – and that’s why they have made it a priority to help make college more affordable for families. They have taken action to reform student loans, expand grants and college tax credits, help make loan payments more manageable, and have proposed plans to make sure colleges also do their part to bring down costs. And just this week, as part of the President’s Year of Action, the administration announced a new series of commitments to support students who need a little extra academic help getting through college.

The High Cost of Higher Education

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

We can all agree that college costs have made it difficult for too many to afford to attend college. Yet at today’s interest rates, the typical student borrower can expect to pay at least $6,000 in additional interest to the federal government over the life of a loan, and some students pay far more. Because of that, the federal government actually makes a profit from student borrowers – about $66 billion on loans issued from 2007 through 2012.

Congress shouldn’t balance the federal budget on the backs of students. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative John Tierney have introduced a bill to allow borrowers with outstanding student loan debt to refinance at new, lower interest rates. I am a co-sponsor.

It seems unfair that people of lower income, who must borrow money to get an education, have to pay more for that education. It works against the upward mobility we prize.

I encourage you to make sure you’re taking advantage of all programs available to keep your student loan debt manageable, such as income-based repayment plans and public service loan forgiveness. Learn more about them here.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators

I recently recognized the winners of my first Congressional STEM App Competition. The contest, conducted in Congressional districts around the country, asks high school students to develop a prototype of a mobile application to connect Americans with their government. The competition is a reminder of the need to ensure that our students learn the scientific and technological skills essential to their success in the 21st century.

Winners Nishil Shah, Ram Vellanki, and Rohith Varansai from South Brunswick High School created an app called "MyGov" to improve communication between constituents and their respective government officials. My distinguished selection committee and I were impressed with their coding skills and their understanding of the importance of a functional representative government. You may view a virtual demonstration of the app here.

Obtaining a Long Overdue Recognition

On February 15, 1969, while on a sweep mission in Vietnam, C Troop in the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army came under fire. Then-Specialist James Perkins braved heavy enemy fire to keep his advancing troop in line, standing atop his vehicle and using hand signals to direct his comrades forward. Despite sustaining injuries in action, Specialist Perkins remained undeterred.

Mr. Perkins did not receive a Purple Heart, and recently contacted me to ask if he should have received the award. Indeed, he should have. I was honored to recently present the Purple Heart which Mr. Perkins had earned. The long-overdue medal is a lasting, public recognition of Mr. Perkins’ service to the United States.

If you know a veteran who also is due a medal or award that she or he never received, pleasee-mail me or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT so that our nation may properly honor our heroes.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 6/7/14: Supporting America's Students

WASHINGTON, DC -- In this week’s address, President Obama underscored the importance of helping to lift the burden of crushing student loan debt faced by too many Americans and highlighted the efforts he’s taken to ensure we uphold America’s commitment to provide a quality education for all who are willing to work for it. While the President will continue to take action on his own, he urged Congress to do its part and commended Senate Democrats for working on a bill that would help more young people save money.

Student Debt Ignored By Our Congressman, Chris Smith; Maybe It's Time To Have A Congressman That Actually Lives In NJ

by District 4 Coalition for Change

Why has Middletown's Congressman, Chris Smith, ignored the issue of student loan debt ?

One reason is that Congressman Smith does not live among us and has no idea what it is to be a New Jerseyan. He has not lived in NJ for over 30 years. He does not deny it. Smith raised his family and educated them in Virginia. He even received VIRGINIA IN STATE TUITION.

Must be nice.

In Smith's second term as District 4 Congressman, roughly 1984, he moved full time to Virginia. Even though DC is a short drive to NJ, Smith chose to leave our state and live full time in Virginia. In order to represent NJ as our Congressman, Smith is required to maintain a DOMICILE in the state.  For much of his 33 years as Congressman, Smith rented a townhome from a family member in Mercer. In recent election cycles, he was tagged for his living arrangements and it is rumored that he has purchased the property. Smith is said to be in NJ roughly 2 dozen days a year.

When Congress goes on recess, other Congressman go to their home states and meet with constituents, Smith goes home to Virginia. He rarely steps foot in the state. District 4 NJ is one of the most under represented districts in the Country. Congressmen represent their districts in DC and collectively Congressman write our laws. We are not being represented properly. Why do we put up with it and how can Smith represent us in Congress when he does not live among us?

Student Debt: Congress Petitioned By College Leaders For 'Long-Term' Solution http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3467087 

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/20/13: Confirming Rich Cordray to Lead the CFPB

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama discussed the Senate’s confirmation of Rich Cordray as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB is an independent watchdog set up to protect families from irresponsible behavior in the financial sector – one that puts mortgage lenders, student lenders, payday lenders, and credit reporting and debt collection agencies under greater scrutiny, while providing the American people a place to get some measure of justice if they don’t play by the rules.

New Holt Web Ad Tackles Student Loans

​“A few years ago, Wall Street blew up our economy – and we still haven’t recovered. For recent college grads, the unemployment rate is above 13 percent. The average starting wage is lower in real terms than in 1998. And the average student loan debt is nearly 27,000 dollars.

So if students are still reeling from Wall Street’s blunders, why on Earth would the government charge them an interest rate nine times higher than it charges Wall Street banks? It’s absurd, and there’s a better solution. We should charge students the same interest rate that the Federal Reserve charges Wall Street banks: 0.75 percent, and not a penny more.

The idea was Elizabeth Warren’s, but Elizabeth can’t pass it alone. In the Senate, I’ll fight by her side to make it the law of the land. Wall Street broke our economy. Students shouldn’t have to pay to put it back together again.”

Learn more about student loans ....  Here

Pallone, Payne Call for Action as Student Loans Interest Rates Double

Newark, NJ – On Monday, July 1, Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) called for a solution to the doubling of interest rates for federally backed, need-based loans that went into effect today. The congressmen held a press conference at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and condemned House Republican leadership’s failure to allow a vote on the Democratic solution to freeze the rates at 3.4 percent. The rate hike affects 7 million students.

“Doubling student loan interest rates has real consequences for young people who are working hard to achieve the American dream. State funding and federal aid has not kept up with the cost of rising tuition, and House Republicans’ stubborn refusal to maintain interest rates means an average of $1000 more out of the pockets of the neediest students each year,” said Pallone. “It is in the nation’s long-term economic interest to minimize student debt and ensure that college is still an attainable goal. House Republicans are keeping students from realizing their dreams and all the opportunities a higher education brings. This should not be a partisan issue. This is common sense, and Congress must act to stop this rate hike immediately.”

“In speaking with young people in my district, I find that they are incredibly talented and eager to make it on their own, open their own business, and even continue on to grad school. But because of the steep rise in tuition over the last 30 years and the amount of debt they carry with them on graduation day, young people have to put their dreams on hold, move back in with their parents after graduation, and put more than fifty percent of their salaries toward paying off student loans,” said Payne. “We are stunting the growth of a generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders because some of my colleagues in Washington refuse to compromise. Our economy needs more small business owners, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians to compete in a global economy, and I will continue fighting to make sure that our students are given the chance to succeed.”

New Jersey’s recent college graduates hold an average of $28,183 in loan debt, which is 61% of their annual income according to a report released this month by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee Democrats.

Last year as well, interest rates were set to double for student loans, until a public outcry compelled the Republican led House to extend the 3.4 percent rate through the 2012 - 2013 academic year.

According to nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Research Service, the House Republican proposal passed on May 23, 2013 would cost students and families even more in interest payments than the current situation of allowing the rates to double. House Republicans refused to allow a vote on the Democratic proposal, the Student Loan Relief Act, which would freeze current interest rates at 3.4 percent for the next two years.

Pallone Calls for Stability in Student Loan Interest Rates at Monmouth University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 2, 2013

Without Congressional action, student loan interest rates are set to double on July 1

Long Branch, NJ—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) met with a small group of Monmouth University students to discuss the need for certainty and stability in student loan interest rates. Interest rates on need-based loans for more than 7 million students are set to double in July of this year, and the students asked questions and talked to the Congressman about the impact this interest rate hike would have for them.

“A college education should not be reserved strictly for the wealthy and fortunate, but it should be an opportunity for all those with the desire and determination to expand their educational horizons,” said Pallone. “With current interest rates at historic lows, and exceptionally high unemployment for recent college graduates, allowing student loan interest rates to double is unfair and makes no sense.”

The majority of student loans are federally backed loans, and if Congress fails to act on this issue, the neediest students will pay $1,000 in additional repayment costs per year. Last year, interest rates were set to double for student loans as well, until a public outcry compelled the Republican led Congress to extend the 3.4 percent rate through the 2012 - 2013 academic year.

Congressman Pallone has been a longtime and outspoken advocate for access to and affordability of higher education. In 2007, Democrats in Congress provided relief for students from high interest rates on need-based loans by passing the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. The law lowered interest rates on subsidized Stafford Loans each year until they reached their current low of 3.4 percent. Since then, millions of students have benefitted from lower rates.

Don’t get spun by Internet rumors

I happen to work with a couple of people that believe just about everything they read on the Internet. The more outlandish the story or unbelievable the conspiracy theory, the more it must be true in their eyes. So when another friend forwarded me an email from another friend titled "Don't get spun by Internet rumors" I couldn't resist posting. 

The original issuer of the email (whoever he is) gave the following wise advice to its recipients:

Use this as a quick check before forwarding these seemingly endless viral emails. Be aware that by circulating many of these mails, you are making yourself a victim of email harvesters and possibly a virus. Hackers know that these hot spot issues will cause an email forwarding frenzy and sit back and wait for their cookies to do their work. By forwarding their junk, you are helping them generate more junk. If you want to dig deeper into these issues; factcheck.org has the details.

Here's the body of the email:

Just because you read it on somebody’s blog or in an email from a friend or relative doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s probably not, as we advised in our special report “Is this chain e-mail true?” back on March 18, 2008. On this page we feature a list of the false or misleading viral rumors we’re asked about most often, and a brief summary of the facts. But click on the links to read the full articles. There is a lot more detail in each answer.

Does the Obama administration intend to “force gun control and a complete ban on all weapons for U.S. citizens” through a United Nations treaty?
No. The administration plans to negotiate a treaty to regulate the international export and import of weapons. It says that it won’t support any treaty that regulates the domestic transfer or ownership of weapons, or that infringes on the Second Amendment.

June 27, 2012

Did Barack and Michelle Obama “surrender” their law licenses to avoid ethics charges?
No. A court official confirms that no public disciplinary proceeding has ever been brought against either of them, contrary to a false Internet rumor. By voluntarily inactivating their licenses, they avoid a requirement to take continuing education classes and pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees. Both could practice law again if they chose to do so.

June 14, 2012

Is General Motors becoming ‘China Motors’ using taxpayer dollars?
No. The restructured GM is still based in Detroit and is still one-third owned by the U.S. government. But it sells nearly as many cars in China as in theU.S. and has continued expanding operations there.

June 8, 2012

Did President Obama secretly sign a law that makes it a crime to protest against him or ask him a question he doesn’t like?

No. He openly announced the signing of a bill overwhelmingly passed by Congress that slightly revises a 1971 law against trespassing into areas under Secret Service protection.

May 7, 2012

Is the National Association of Realtors lobbying to repeal a 3.8 percent “sales tax” on homes before it takes effect in 2013?
No. There’s no such “sales tax” in the new health care law. And Medicare premiums aren’t going to $247 either. But these virulent falsehoods keep going around.

April 30, 2012

Does the new health care law impose a 3.8 percent tax on profits from selling your home?
No, with very few exceptions. The first $250,000 in profit from the sale of a personal residence won’t be taxed, or the first $500,000 in the case of a married couple. The tax falls on relatively few — those with high incomes from other sources.

April 22, 2010

Will the new health care law raise Medicare’s basic monthly premium to $247 in 2014, as a viral message claims?
No, Medicare officials project the basic premium will be less than half that. But the law will eventually cause 14 percent of seniors with incomes over $85,000 a year ($170,000 for couples) to pay higher “income-related” premiums, up from 5 percent currently.

April 1, 2011

Is “Obama’s finance team” recommending a 1 percent tax on all bank transactions, as a chain e-mail claims?
No. This idea was first floated in 2004 by one House member, who says it would replace the federal income tax and eliminate the national debt. So far it has gone nowhere.

Sept. 8, 2010; Updated: June 5, 2012

Are three former Fannie Mae executives “economic advisers” to Obama?
No, claims made in a chain e-mail are false. Jim Johnson advised on non-economic matters but quit after a week. Franklin Raines says he took a “couple of calls” but was never an adviser. We find no evidence Tim Howard ever had a connection to the Obama campaign.

Oct. 9, 2008

Will Muslim Americans be exempt from the mandate to have health insurance? 
The Muslim faith does not forbid purchasing health insurance, and no Muslim group has ever been considered exempt under the definitions used in the health care law.

May 20, 2010

Is President Obama giving away several Alaskan islands to Russia?
No. The U.S. has never claimed ownership of the islands identified in viral emails and websites. They lie far closer to the coast of Siberia than to Alaska.

March 27, 2012

Is President Obama responsible for Chinese companies building U.S. bridges with stimulus money, as reported by ABC News?
No. A viral email distorts an ABC News report. California officials hired a Chinese contractor and rejected federal money to avoid federal “Buy American” laws.

Feb. 17, 2012

How much has the federal debt gone up under Obama?
During his first three years in office, it rose $4.7 trillion, an increase of 45 percent. Partisan graphics circulating via email and Facebook are both incorrect.

Feb. 2, 2012

Did Obama issue a policy that “no U.S. serviceman can speak at any faith-based public event”?
This claim in a chain e-mail is false. Army officials say there has been no change in policy regarding “faith-based” events. And the event the e-mail refers to wasn’t a “faith-based” one.

June 10, 2009

Does Obama plan to deny emergency brain surgery for patients over 70?
No. A man claiming on a radio talk show to be a brain surgeon lied about that, and about a meeting of two associations of neurological surgeons, those associations say.

Jan. 5, 2012

Is it true that members of Congress, their staffers and their family members do not have to pay back their student loans?
Not true. Some congressional employees are eligible to have up to $60,000 of student loans repaid after several years — just like other federal workers. But that’s not the case for members of Congress or their families.

Jan. 6, 2011

Did Obama order the military to drop the words “on behalf of the president of the United States” when presenting the flag to the next of kin at funerals?
A chain email that makes that claim is wrong. Spokespersons for the Defense Department and the armed forces say that no change was ordered.

Oct. 10, 2011

Is President Obama honoring Jane Fonda as one of the women of the century?
No. That was done 11 years ago by Barbara Walters of ABC News.

Nov. 22, 2010

Did President Obama have his dog, Bo, flown to Maine in his own private jet for the family vacation?
No. The family and staff took two small jets because the airport couldn’t accommodate the usual presidential plane. Bo flew with several staffers.

Sept. 16, 2010

Is it true that nobody remembers Obama attending Columbia University?
At least one of his classmates remembers him well, and the university proudly claims Obama.

Feb. 16, 2010

Does George Soros own the company buying many firms that make guns and ammunition?
No. Contrary to a fanciful claim made in a viral email, the Freedom Group is not linked to the liberal billionaire. The National Rifle Association says the real owners are “strong supporters” of gun rights.

Oct. 21, 2011

Was President Obama’s tour bus made in Canada?
The shell of the $1.1 million bus came from Canada, but it was converted for the Secret Service by a company in Tennessee.

Aug. 25, 2011

Is a chart claiming to show the “top 20 raises” to White House staffers accurate?
It’s misleading. The salary increases for 19 of the 21 employees listed resulted from promotions. Average pay for White House staff actually declined.

Aug. 4, 2011

Is President Obama flying on Air Force One more than other presidents did? Is he being accompanied by more people on international trips?
Two chain e-mails suggesting that the president’s travel habits are more excessive than his predecessors are off base.

July 8, 2011

Is it true that boycotting companies that import foreign oil will “avoid putting more money into the coffers” of foreign countries?
No. There is no way to know for sure whether your local station is selling gasoline from imported or domestic oil. Besides, U.S. oil demand is twice its domestic supply.

March 25, 2011

What about the “Congressional Reform Act of 2011″?
A viral e-mail calls for fixing some abuses and excesses that don’t exist, repeating misinformed claims that we’ve addressed before.

March 18, 2011

Is President Obama using tax dollars to rebuild mosques around the world?
Yes — and to rebuild historic churches and temples as well. The State Department’s program to preserve overseas cultural landmarks started under President Bush in 2001.

March 10, 2011

Do statistics in a chain e-mail give an accurate “report card” of President Obama’s first two years?
Not exactly. The author made many minor mistakes and some major omissions in describing the terrible economic conditions he attributes to the president.

Feb. 25, 2011

Does Illinois pay a grandmother $1,500 per month per child to be the foster parent to her eight grandchildren?
No. State officials have no record of such a case, and state law would not allow it. This second-hand story spread by a Danville urologist isn’t true.

Dec. 10, 2010

Has President Obama canceled the May 6 National Day of Prayer?
No. This widely circulated falsehood echoes similar claims made last year when the president issued a pro-prayer-day proclamation but didn’t hold White House services as President Bush had done.

April 29, 2010

Was Michelle Obama’s brother’s job saved with money from the stimulus act?
This chain email is a hoax. It makes a ridiculously false claim about Craig Robinson, who is the head coach of Oregon State University’s men’s basketball team and the first lady’s older brother

.
March 22, 2010

Did Congress raise its own pay for 2010 while voting to deny an increase for Social Security recipients?
No. A chain e-mail calling for “retribution” in the fall elections makes false claims and uses fabricated figures.

Jan. 8, 2010

Did Obama loan $2 billion to Brazil’s oil company to benefit China and George Soros?
The president had nothing to do with the loan, which the Export-Import Bank approved for Brazil to buy U.S.-made equipment and services.

Sept. 18, 2009

Is there any truth in the e-mail claiming to give “a few highlights from the first 500 pages of the Healthcare bill”?
Barely. We examined all 48 claims, finding 26 of them to be false and 18 to be misleading, only partly true or half true. Only four are accurate.

Aug. 28, 2009

Is the ACLU suing to have cross-shaped headstones removed from military cemeteries?
The ACLU has filed no such suit, and it hasn’t sued to “end prayer from the military” either.

July 5, 2009

Did Obama accuse veterans of “selfishness” and whining? Would he have forced them to “pay for their war injuries”?
This chain e-mail contains fabricated quotes and misrepresents a budget idea that the White House scrapped.

May 12, 2009

Has a “smoking gun” been found to prove Obama was not born a U.S. citizen? Did he attend Occidental College on a scholarship for foreign students?
This chain e-mail is a transparent April Fools’ Day hoax. It fabricates an AP news story about an nonexistent group, and makes false claims about Obama and the Fulbright program.

May 7, 2009

Is Congress about to give Social Security to illegal immigrants?
No. Congress hasn’t voted on any measure to pay benefits to illegal immigrants, and has no plans for any such vote.

March 1, 2009
(This long-standing falsehood was bandied about back in 2006 and again during the 2008 presidential election.)

What’s the deal with Prof. Joseph Olson’s “unreported stats” from the 2008 election?
This chain e-mail is a hoax. The “statistics” are grossly incorrect, and Olson says he didn’t write it.

Jan. 5, 2009

Was Obama born in the U.S.A.?
Yes. We give you the truth about Obama’s birth certificate.

Aug. 21, 2008
Updated Nov. 1, 2008

Is there a connection between FactCheck.org and Barack Obama or Bill Ayers?

None, aside from benefiting at different times from the charity of the late publisher Walter Annenberg. We are a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania and get funding from the Annenberg Foundation, created by Walter Annenberg in 1989. Ayers was one of threeChicago educators who applied for a grant from the Annenberg Foundation in 1995, which was one of 5,200 grants the foundation made during its first 15 years. That $49 million grant, plus additional funds raised locally, funded the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which sought to improve Chicago public schools. Obama was selected by Chicago officials (not Ayers) to chair the board set up to administer Annenberg Challenge funds, and he headed it until 1999. FactCheck.org came into being in late 2003. For other details see our Oct. 10, 2008, article about Obama and Ayers, which includes a sidebar: “FactCheck.org and the ‘Annenberg Challenge.’ “