15 Mar House and Senate Hold Hearings on Key Higher Education Issues
On March 13th, the House Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing entitled, “The Cost of College: Student Centered Reforms to Bring to Higher Education Within Reach.” The committee examined various challenges students face in accessing higher education and potential legislative solutions to assist students with college affordability. Yesterday’s hearing represents the first of a series the committee plans to hold on topics pertinent to the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. A recording of the hearing, the chairman’s statement, and witness testimony are available here.
On March 12th, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing entitled, “Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Simplifying the FAFSA and Reducing the Burden of Verification.” This is an issue that is a priority for Senate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) in the rewrite of the HEA. The committee also examined issues to be addressed through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. A recording of the hearing and related testimony are available here.
Also, on March 12, an additional hearing on higher education was held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The hearing was entitled, “Oversight of For-Profit Colleges: Protecting Students and Taxpayer Dollars from Predatory Practices.” Information related to that hearing can be viewed here.