House Extends Higher Education Programs & Student Loan Relief for Troops

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved two bills to extend critical higher education programs, including student loan flexibility for troops and student financial aid programs under the Higher Education Act (HEA).  The bipartisan bills were approved unanimously, by voice vote.

H.R. 3132, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act, provides support for military personnel by continuing to allow the U.S. Secretary of Education to provide assistance and flexibility to men and women in uniform as they transfer in and out of postsecondary education during a time of war.  The bill, authored by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), extends waiver authority that allows the Secretary to excuse such military personnel from their federal student loan obligations while they are on active duty.

“Throughout our involvement in the War on Terrorism – and as our nation seeks to rebuild the communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina – many thousands of students who serve our nation in the Reserves or National Guard have been called to active duty service.  We must ensure these men and women do not face education-related financial or administrative difficulties while they defend our nation,” said Kline.

“I applaud the leadership of Congressman Kline as we all work to support our troops fighting for us overseas and rebuilding communities here at home,” said Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner (R-OH).  “As our military reservists are called to serve the nation, it is our duty to provide them with the support and flexibility they need to avoid financial hardship as they defend freedom and protect our security.”

The Higher Education Extension Act (H.R. 3784) extends student financial aid and postsecondary programs under the HEA for three months to allow additional time for Congress to complete action on comprehensive reforms to strengthen federal higher education programs.  The bill ensures students and colleges will continue to have access to programs and funding under the HEA, which is set to expire on September 30.

“I applaud my colleagues for passing this important extension today for the Higher Education Act,” said Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), chairman of the 21st Century Competitiveness Subcommittee.  “This temporary extension will ensure that our neediest students do not lose access to the critical financial aid dollars that help fund their education.  I am hopeful that in the coming months, Congress will act to reauthorize the Higher Education Act so that we can broaden access, accountability, and affordability in our nation’s higher education system.”

“Millions of American college students are enrolled in higher education and relying on federal student aid programs, and it’s critical that we don’t allow the programs to lapse as Congress completes its work to reform the Higher Education Act,” said Boehner.  “This temporary extension underscores the need to enact permanent reforms through a comprehensive reauthorization that will strengthen federal higher education programs on behalf of American students and taxpayers.”

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