Approximately ten years ago, a federal law composed by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) was enacted that required federally funded scholarships and other aid packages to be forfeited for minor drug convictions.  The statute was known as the "Aid Elimination Penalty."  Statistically, the law tended to punish low socio-economic students who most needed financial assistance to complete their college education. 

It 2009, a collection of Democrats sought to resolve the harsh consequences created by the statute.  That effort was meet by significant opposition from Rep. Souder who attempted to stultify the Democrats' effort.  Notwithstanding, Rep. Souder's counter-measures were defeated, thus creating the opportunity for students with drug possession convictions to continue to receive financial assistance from the federal government.