Press Releases

Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) applauded the U.S. Department of Education’s final rule to reform the nation’s higher education accreditation system, increase competition, and put student outcomes first.
 
The final rule builds on the Committee’s efforts to challenge the accreditation status quo, eliminate ideological litmus tests, and put student success ahead of bureaucratic interests. Last year, the Committee passed H.R. 2516, Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2025, which would remove DEI standards from the accreditation process and H.R. 4054, Accreditation Choice and Innovation Act, which addresses various issues within the accreditation system and codifies President Trump’s accreditor executive order.
 
“For too long, the accreditation system has protected the status quo instead of putting students first,” said Chairman Walberg. “Accreditors should be focused on whether colleges are helping students graduate, find good jobs, and get value for their tuition dollars—not imposing unnecessary costs or pushing ideological agendas. Committee Republicans have championed reforms to increase competition, cut red tape, and refocus accreditation on student success. I applaud the Trump administration for taking this important step to ensure colleges deliver real value for students and families.”