"Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing from Jaydan Martinez, a student from Stephen F. Austin University, just about an hour from my house," Moran said. "Jaydan's story is one of resilience in the face of instability, abuse, and constant uncertainty-circumstances no young person should have to endure. His parents were unable to care for him, and like so many foster youth, he was forced to navigate life in the midst of uncertainty. Unfortunately, Jaydan's experience is not unique. Thousands of young adults aging out of foster care face similar challenges as they try to build a future."
Moran cited a Government Accountability Office report that found in fiscal year 2023, 28 states returned unused Education and Training Voucher funds-including more than $1.3 million from Texas alone-despite the clear and ongoing need among foster youth.
"HR 7463 strengthens the Education and Training Voucher program by doing two things," Moran continued. "First, increasing the maximum amount that can be awarded annually from $5,000 to $12,000-without increasing overall program appropriations. And second, by giving states the flexibility to provide a short, structured grace period for students who are struggling academically. It aligns with President Trump's directive to ensure that unused federal funds intended for foster youth are actually redirected to support their educational success."
"This is a practical, bipartisan solution that better aligns resources with the needs and gives foster youth a fair chance to succeed," Moran said. "We have a responsibility to invest in the next generation, especially those who have had to overcome the greatest obstacles. Students like Jaydan are not just stories-they are inspirations and they are the future of this country."
"Too often, government bureaucracy has gotten in the way of success for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). "I commend Representative Moran for introducing legislation that is directly responsive to the feedback of a former foster youth and fellow Texan, Jaydan Martinez, who testified at our roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump and made a compelling case to update the Chafee program to increase the value of the Education and Training Voucher to level the playing field for foster youth."
Watch Congressman Moran's Remarks HERE
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