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Committee Advances Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Higher Education System

Bills to improve the Higher Education Act will support innovation, enhance financial counseling, and simplify the student aid process

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2014
The House Education and the Workforce Committee today advanced three bipartisan bills to reform the nation’s higher education system. As part of an effort to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, the legislative proposals will support innovation, strengthen transparency, and enhance financial counseling.

“Today we made important progress in our effort to strengthen the nation’s higher education system,” said Chairman John Kline (R-MN). “These bipartisan proposals will make a difference in the lives of students and families. My colleagues are to be commended for their hard work in making this a strong bipartisan endeavor. I look forward to House consideration of these proposals and the work that lies ahead.”

The approved bills reflect a number of key committee principles guiding the reauthorization process.
  • Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act. Introduced by Reps.  Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Susan Brooks (R-IN), and Jared Polis (D-CO), the bipartisan legislation (H.R. 3136) will provide students new opportunities to receive a high-quality education in a way that best serves their personal and financial needs.
    • The committee approved the bill by voice vote.
    • To learn more about the legislation, click here.
    • To read the bill text as approved by the committee, click here.
  • Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. Introduced by Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Luke Messer (R-IN), H.R. 4983 will help students gain access to the facts they need to make an informed decision about their education.
    • The committee approved the bill by voice vote.
    • To learn more about the legislation, click here.
    • To read the bill text as approved by the committee, click here. 
  • Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. Introduced by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Richard Hudson (R-NC), H.R. 4984 will promote financial literacy through enhanced counseling for all recipients of federal financial aid.
    • The committee approved the bill by voice vote.
    • To learn more about the legislation, click here.
    • To read the bill text as approved by the committee, click here.

To learn more about the committee’s effort to reform the Higher Education Act, visit /highered/

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