For-profit colleges used a lineup of Beltway heavy hitters to keep open the $30 billion-a-year spigot of student loans. Here are some of the insiders that went to bat for the schools.
Marco Rubio
US Senator and Republican presidential candidate Marco RubioReutersIn 2014, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) asked the Department of Education to “demonstrate leniency” toward Corinthian Colleges.
Robert Andrews
Former New Jersey Rep. Robert AndrewsAPIn 2010, then Rep. Robert “Rob” Andrews (D-NJ) held a hearing calling for a delay in implementing tougher regulations.
Colin Powell
Former Secretary of State Colin PowellAPColin Powell was an adviser to the owner of Education Management Corp., which was exposed for abusive targeting of veterans. The feds are suing it for $11 billion.
Sally Stroup
Sally Stroup was hired by the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, which counts DeVry University as a member.APSally Stroup, a former Education Dept. official in the George W. Bush administration, is now a high-ranking official in the for-profit colleges lobbying group.
John Kline
Rep. John Kline of MinnesotaIn July 2014, Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), the chairman of the House Education Committee, killed a measure that would have tightened regulations.
