WASHINGTON - Republicans in Congress are pushing forward with a significant plan to revamp how Americans finance their college education. They aim to navigate around Senate Democrats to achieve their goals.
On April 28, a GOP-led committee in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a comprehensive 100-page budget bill that would bring extensive changes to the college financial aid system. This legislation could impact millions of students and the institutions they attend.
The proposal includes reducing undergraduates' eligibility for traditional Pell Grants, penalizing universities for burdening students with excessive debt, capping costs for specific college programs, and easing regulations on for-profit colleges.
Additionally, student loan borrowers would have less flexibility in their monthly payments, potentially leading to increased bills for many.
The bill, known as the "Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan," is designed to save billions of dollars and create room for broader tax cuts, according to Rep. Tim Walberg, the chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee.
However, critics argue that the proposed changes could hinder students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, in accessing and completing college education while managing their debts. The legislation's impact on Pell Grants, especially for community college students, has raised concerns about affordability and student basic needs.
Despite the Republicans' control in Washington, there are challenges ahead for the bill to become law, including potential opposition and logistical issues in implementation.
Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.