On Thursday, a new bill that seeks to make college affordable and accessible for students advanced in the House of Representatives.
The College Affordability Act introduced by House Democrats last month received a 28-22 vote at the Committee on Education and Labor with unanimous Democratic support. It is now headed to the house floor.
The legislation seeks to improve the quality of education by lowering the cost of attending college for students and families, holding post-secondary institutions accountable and providing the necessary support to succeed.
After 3 days of debate the @edlaborcmte passes the College Affordability Act out of committee. pic.twitter.com/AiTvRArzbL
— Jahana Hayes (@RepJahanaHayes) October 31, 2019
“A quality, college degree remains the surest path to financial security and a rewarding career. Accordingly, we must fulfill the promise of making higher education affordable for all students,” said Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
The bill would restore state and federal investments in public colleges and universities, increasing the value of Pell Grants and making existing student loans cheaper and easier to pay off. Students enrolling in short-term programs would also become eligible to receive Pell Grants.
In addition, the bill would crack down on predatory for-profit colleges that defraud students and permanently reauthorize mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other Minority Serving Institutions.