Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx, along with 26 lawmakers, have requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into the Biden administration's mishandling of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The lawmakers are concerned about the impact of the botched rollout on students and schools.
The FAFSA Simplification Act, passed in 2020, aimed to make financial aid more accessible by streamlining the application process. However, the Department of Education (Education) failed to properly implement the program, causing significant delays. The application was only available for a short period of time before the deadline set by Congress.
The delayed timeline and Education's setbacks have had several negative consequences. High school counselors had to postpone financial aid information sessions, leaving students and families uncertain about their options. Colleges also faced challenges in providing students with financial aid offers, leaving them with less time and information to make informed decisions.
In a letter to the Comptroller General Dodaro, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about the impact of these delays. They highlighted the difficulties faced by students and schools and questioned whether Education is providing sufficient guidance and information on the new FAFSA form and process. The lawmakers also requested an examination of the challenges faced during the initial award cycle and the steps taken by Education to address them.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of ensuring that students, especially low-income students who rely on federal aid, have access to postsecondary education. They called for a thorough investigation to prevent future complications and ensure timely access to FAFSA.
The GAO investigation will shed light on the extent of the challenges faced by students and schools during the FAFSA rollout and the actions taken by Education to address these issues. It will also evaluate the level of information and guidance provided to students and schools.
The request for an investigation reflects the lawmakers' commitment to holding the Biden administration accountable for the botched FAFSA rollout. They aim to prevent similar problems in the future and ensure that students have the support they need to pursue higher education.
For more information, visit the HELP Republicans' website or Twitter account.
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