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project an image of confidence to the world.
• The result is an efficient, modern propaganda machine in keeping with the times -- but one that appears completely removed from the reality on the ground.
• ___
House ready to have final vote on deal that would save students millions in loan fees
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- The cost of borrowing for college is about to drop.
• The House on Wednesday was expected to give final congressional approval to bipartisan legislation linking student loan interest rates to the financial markets. The impact: lower rates for most students now but higher ones down the line if the economy improves as expected.
• "This is a win for students and taxpayers," said Rep. John Kline, the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
• The top Democrat on that committee joined Kline on the House floor to urge colleagues to back it. "It saves students and families money," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif.
• Undergraduates this fall would borrow at a 3.9 percent interest rate for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Graduate students would have access to loans at 5.4 percent, and parents would borrow at 6.4 percent. The rates would be locked in for that year's loan, but each year's loan could be more expensive than the last. Rates would rise as the economy picks up and it becomes more expensive for the government to borrow money.
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'Right side of history' -- Obama seeks to calm jittery Democrats on health care, immigration
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama sought to calm jittery Democrats Wednesday as they prepared to head home to face voters, assuring them they're "on the right side of history" despite problems with the launch of his massive health care overhaul and an immigration fight with Republicans.
• In back-to-back closed sessions with House and Senate Democrats, Obama delivered his broad message about economic prosperity and expanding the middle class. But in return he was confronted with questions from Democrats who are nervous about implementation of the health care law as they look ahead to town hall meetings during the August recess -- and to midterm elections next year.
• The meetings at the Capitol offered a rare chance for the party's rank and file to (Continued on page 45)
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