High Country Times

On November 15, 2024, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx addressed the House Floor to advocate for H.R. 8932, known as the FAFSA Deadline Act. This legislation aims to ensure that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is consistently available on October 1 each year, providing students with necessary financial information for their educational planning.

The FAFSA was established to facilitate access to postsecondary education by making it more affordable for students and their families. However, under the current administration led by President Biden and Vice President Harris, there have been delays and confusion in the FAFSA process. These issues have hindered access to financial aid and affected many students' ability to pursue higher education.

Chairwoman Foxx expressed her support for H.R. 8932 during her remarks: “I rise in strong support of H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act, and I’d like to start by highlighting the critical role the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, plays in the lives of many American students and families."

Foxx noted that recent bipartisan efforts aimed at simplifying the FAFSA process through the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020 were intended to make applying for financial aid more accessible. She emphasized that an effective system should lower barriers to education.

“Unfortunately,” she continued, “we are here because the Biden-Harris administration is failing to provide this vital tool... Instead of a smooth rollout... widespread frustration, delays, and costly errors” have occurred.

Foxx highlighted issues from last year when technical missteps delayed FAFSA's release until December instead of October 1. The resulting launch was described as chaotic with numerous errors.

“As we sit here,” Foxx added, “the FAFSA is delayed for a second straight year.”

The proposed bill introduced by Representative Erin Houchin seeks accountability from the Department of Education by mandating an October 1 availability date annually. It has garnered broad bipartisan support with a committee vote of 34-6.

Foxx concluded: “It’s our job to ensure that the Department of Education rolls out the FAFSA each year with clear timelines and accurate data so American families can rely on this process.”