College Access and Affordability Legislation Signed into Law

Press Release

College Access and Affordability Legislation Signed Into Law

U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) today applauded the enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the first comprehensive renewal of federal higher education programs in a decade. The bill was passed by Congress on July 31 and was signed into law today by President George W. Bush.

"To compete in our rapidly-growing global economy, we must provide every opportunity for our students to pursue higher education in both the traditional and non-traditional settings," said Rep. Kuhl. "This legislation addresses the college cost crisis, increases transparency, strengthens Pell Grants, and improves higher education opportunities for members of the Armed Forces. I am pleased that I was chosen to serve as a conferee for this bill and that it will open the door to higher education for millions of students."

The Higher Education Opportunity Act is bipartisan legislation designed to ensure access, accountability, affordability, and quality in higher education. The legislation will provide consumer protections on federal and private student loans, simplify the federal student aid application process, and expand need-based aid for low-income students, students with disabilities, military families, and veterans. Among the many provisions, the Higher Education Opportunity Act would:

* Call for greater transparency and disclosure to help students and schools keep textbooks accessible and affordable.
* Require additional disclosure for lenders and colleges to ensure that students are protected and that their interests come first.
* Allow year-round Pell Grant aid for students attending school on a non-traditional schedule and establish a ceiling on the maximum Pell Grant of $8,000.
* Reauthorize and strengthen federal college access programs for low- and middle-income students, including TRIO and GEAR UP.
* Require that the Department of Education provide easier access to its student financial assistance website and share information about financial aid available through other federal agencies.
* Encourage a reduction in the number of questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, take steps to make reapplying for aid easier and allow students to estimate financial aid eligibility earlier in the college exploration process.
* Permit the Secretary to make grants to partnerships of rural institutions, and between institutions and employers to increase enrollment and graduation rates from rural institutions, to improve high school graduation rates in rural areas, and to provide career training.
* Include numerous proposals to improve higher education opportunities for members of the Armed Forces to allow greater participation in TRIO college access programs and improvements to the way financial aid is calculated for military personnel.

Rep. Kuhl was appointed as a conferee to represent the Education and Labor Committee in negotiation with the Senate for this legislation. Since being elected to Congress in 2004, Kuhl has served on the Committee on Education and Labor and on two education subcommittees, the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee and the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness Subcommittee. Prior to being elected to Congress, Kuhl served as the former Chair of the New York State Senate's Committee on Education.

The Higher Education Act (HEA) was established in 1965 to help low- and middle-income students gain access to college. The law increased federal money given to universities, created scholarships, gave low-interest loans for students, and established a National Teachers Corps. The Higher Education Act of 1965 was reauthorized in 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1986, 1992, and 1998. H.R. 4137 has been up for renewal since 2003.

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