Ranking Member Scott Champions FAFSA Accessibility Measure

Ranking Member Scott Champions FAFSA Accessibility Measure

"The bill strikes a balance between ensuring timely access to financial aid and not compromising the quality of the application process."

WASHINGTON - Today, Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby Scott" delivered the following floor remarks in support of H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act. This legislation would require the Department of Education to release the FAFSA by October 1 instead of the current January 1^st deadline, so students and families across the country can access their federal student aid in a timely manner.

Watch Ranking Member Scott's floor remarks on YouTube.

"I rise in support of H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act, which would set a firm October 1st deadline for the Department of Education to roll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, starting in 2025. This bill will help millions of students and families access federal financial aid in a timelier manner.

"We know that higher education is a pathway to opportunity, but the rising cost of college has made it out of reach of a lot of students. Federal aid, including Pell Grants and student loans, is essential to making college affordable. That is why, in 2020, I worked with Senator Lamar Alexander to pass the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act - to make federal student aid easier to access. Regrettably, last year, technical problems with the newly redesigned FAFSA form delayed students' access to this vital aid. As a result, too many students could not submit their applications on time, and many struggled to get the support they needed to resolve those issues.

"When the committee first considered this bill in July, I voted in opposition because I was concerned that the implementation deadline may have forced the Department of Education to roll out an incomplete form on October 1 of this year. However, because we are now considering this bill after October 1, the deadline will apply next year, 2025, and that gives the Department ample to make improvements and fix any lingering issues. We now have helpful information from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office that provided specific recommendations on how the Department can continue to improve the rollout and implementation of FAFSA.

"H.R. 8932 sets a clear, firm deadline for rolling out the FAFSA while still giving the Department of Education time to ensure the application functions properly for all students. The bill strikes a balance between ensuring timely access to financial aid and not compromising the quality of the application process.

"We've made significant progress in simplifying the FAFSA and expanding financial aid in recent years. According to the Department of Education, despite the ongoing FAFSA challenges, roughly half a million more students received a Pell Grant this year than last year due primarily to the changes in the formulas used. And under the leadership of President Biden and Congressional Democrats, the maximum Pell Grant award has increased by $900 over the last several years, giving students additional financial support to cover college costs. This bill will help ensure that even more students have the information they need in a timelier manner to access Pell Grants and other vital student aid.

"So, I support the bill and reserve the balance of my time."

To read a fact sheet on H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act, click here.

To read letters of support for the FAFSA Deadline Act, click here.

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