Nelson-Burr

We won. The amendment was destroyed 36-61. All Democrats (except Nelson) voted with us, so be sure to thank your representative for sticking up for students instead of filling the pockets of corporations. You can look at the vote breakdown here.

The Senate is voting on the full bill now, which should pass without any problems.

Thanks to everyone who helped in this fight, including US PIRG, College Affordabilty Now, Free Exchange on Campus, and Campus Progress.

The New American Foundation has an excellent blog post up about the Nelson-Burr Amendment.

They've also done the dirty work of finding out just how much Nelson and Burr are receiving from Banks and corporate lenders who stand to benefit from this amendment. Always good to see how our politicians are bought and paid for. Pretty sweet investment on the part of the lenders, too. For a measly 44 Large, Nelnet stands to make over a $100 million. All told - if the amendment passes - corporate lenders are going to see upwards of $3 billion for less than a $1 million investment.

Think maybe its time for some more campaign finance and lobbying reform?

Cross posted at MyDD and Daily Kos.

Another update on Nelson-Burr (aka the corporate lender welfare amendment). Word is that the vote is going to be around noon today and it is going to be tight. Yesterday, Rick Enzi, ranking Republican on the Senate Education committee declared that he would vote against the amendment, potentially bringing a number of Republicans over with him. A number of Senators s are on the fence - particularly Tester on the Democratic side and Smith on the Republican side - but many of the Senators listed below don't really know anything about the amendment or how it would impact students.

Give them a call before noon today. Tell them why they should vote yes on the bill and no on the Nelson-Burr amendment. The Capitol Switchboard can be reached at (202) 224-3121.