High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), along with Committee Members Tim Walberg (R-MI), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Jim Banks (R-IN), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Michael Rulli (R-OH), have addressed a comment letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. The letter urges the Department to halt its proposed rulemaking that allows illegal aliens access to taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs, known as TRIO programs. Additionally, the rule introduces changes to distance education and Title IV programs.

In their letter, the lawmakers state: "We are deeply concerned that the Department continues to push a regulatory agenda that is outside the bounds of the law and that will create unnecessary confusion for institutions that are already working to comply with multiple new regulations from the Department. For the many reasons described in this letter, we urge the Department to halt this NPRM."

The letter further elaborates: "TRIO programs have historically benefitted low-income Americans, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to help close the educational gap and ensure they have the skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education. Under current law, those who are pursuing legal pathways to citizenship can already access TRIO programs. The proposed expansion is a blatant attempt to provide additional taxpayer-funded services to those not seeking citizenship in the name of reducing 'burden.' The Department’s proposed expansion will stretch funding thin and risk those currently eligible for TRIO."

The lawmakers conclude: "[W]e urge the Department to halt the NPRM, work with Congress to enact clearer policies to provide more precise data collection, ensure that all programs provide high-quality education to students and taxpayers, and ensure that only currently eligible students receive taxpayer-funded services."

To read the full letter, click here.