High Country Times

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) expressed her satisfaction as the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FAFSA Deadline Act with a bipartisan vote of 381 to 1. The bill, sponsored by Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN), aims to provide clarity for students, families, and schools by ensuring that the FAFSA is released and fully operational by October 1 each year.

Currently, there is flexibility in the statute allowing the Education Department to delay releasing the FAFSA until January 1. This has led to confusion among schools and families. By setting a firm deadline of October 1, the bill seeks to prevent administrative delays from becoming routine.

Foxx emphasized the significance of a reliable FAFSA process: “The FAFSA is a cornerstone of America’s commitment to educational opportunity. When we fail to uphold this promise, we jeopardize the dreams and hard work of students who look to postsecondary education as a pathway to a better future." She further stated that "the FAFSA Deadline Act is a necessary measure" that ensures deadlines are met, transparency is maintained, and families receive needed aid for college access.

Earlier this year, Chairwoman Foxx and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) criticized the Biden administration for obstructing an investigation into its failure to implement new FAFSA procedures. On July 5, Representative Houchin introduced legislation mandating an October 1 release date for FAFSA forms. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Cassidy.

On July 10, H.R. 8932 passed through committee with strong bipartisan support. The following day, Foxx and colleagues requested an update on an investigation into issues with previous FAFSA rollouts under President Biden's administration.