Representative John Yarmuth (D-3rd District) was recently honored as the “Outstanding New Member” of Congress by the Committee for Education Funding (CEF) during their Annual Awards Gala in Washington DC. Yarmuth was recognized for his commitment to education issues and for his interest in increasing federal funding for education programs.

“During this 110th Congress, first year Representative John Yarmuth clearly distinguished himself as an advocate for education funding and we are proud to recognize him,” said Ed Kealy, Executive Director of the Committee for Education Funding.

In her introduction of Yarmuth, CEF Vice President Hilary Goldman said that CEF was “stunned” by Yarmuth’s record during his short time in office, because it “exceeded all expectations for a recipient of CEF’s Outstanding New Member award.”

Yarmuth serves on the House Education and Labor Committee and its Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

“Education is quite simply the key to America’s long term success in the world, it is the great hope for our children and future generations, and in America, a world-class education should be a right, not a crap shoot,” Yarmuth said in his acceptance speech. “The challenges are great, but the will to meet them, I believe is greater.”

Particularly notable for AIKCU students is the Louisville Congressman’s commitment to promoting college access and affordability. Yarmuth has been one of the key voices calling for increases in the Pell Grant program and ways to reduce student loan debt. He recently served on the Conference Committee for the College Cost Reduction Act that will put $11 billion into the Pell Grant program. The President has vowed to sign the bill, which will provide the largest investment in higher education since the G.I. Bill.

“We are delighted that Congressman Yarmuth was recognized for his commitment to education,” said AIKCU President Gary S. Cox. “It is certainly a well-deserved honor. He’s shown a great deal of interest and support not only for Bellarmine and Spalding, but for all our members, and especially for our students.”

In addition to Yarmuth, CEF also honored former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush with “Charles Wilson Lee Distinguished Citizen Awards” for their commitment to education in the years since they left office.

Read more about the honor at Congressman Yarmuth’s website.

For more information on CEF or its Annual Awards Gala, visit their website at http://www.cef.org.