U.S. Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, both Democrats from Wisconsin, have urged the Bush administration to reconsider a plan to restructure the Pell Grant program which awards college students in need up to $4,000 to pursue their educations.

The two senators said under the Education Department's proposed changes, as many as 1.4 million college students could face reductions in their grants.

"While we again face budget challenges, we cannot cut corners when it comes to educating our children. The Pell Grant program has helped to ensure that every student in America can pursue a higher education regardless of his or her financial or social background. This financial aid program is an investment in our future, and to short change it would be irresponsible," Kohl said.

"Pell Grants continue to be the cornerstone of many students' financial aid packages in Wisconsin and around the country," Feingold said. "These grants are a way for students who otherwise couldn't afford a higher education to pay for one. Simply put, without Pell Grants, many individuals couldn't even consider college. Funding for education is one of the most important investments that we can make. A better-educated workforce will lead to a more skilled workforce, higher productivity, and a better economy."       —Donald H. Harrison