Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, along with several other Republican lawmakers, held a press conference today to address the Biden administration's mishandling of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. Cassidy announced that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has initiated an investigation into the Department of Education's (DeptEd) incompetence in implementing the FAFSA program. This investigation comes in response to a request from Republican lawmakers.

During the press conference, Cassidy emphasized the negative impact of the botched FAFSA rollout. He highlighted the fact that high school counselors have had to postpone important financial aid information sessions for students and families due to the delays in the FAFSA process. Additionally, colleges are unable to provide students with financial aid offers because of a lack of information from the DeptEd.

"In the last three years, the Biden administration's Department of Education has put considerable time and resources into prioritizing their student loan schemes," said Cassidy. "But they've been unable to fulfill their basic responsibilities mandated by Congress and essential to American families."

Cassidy expressed concern for high school students who are attending college for the first time and may have never gone through the FAFSA process before. He stated that many students may decide not to pursue higher education because they are unsure if they can afford it.

Addressing President Biden and Secretary Cardona, Cassidy called on them to explain why the American people are facing the consequences of the administration's "upside-down priorities."

The Biden administration recently announced that the transmission of FAFSA information to colleges and universities will be delayed until mid-March. This further delay adds to the already existing concerns that students will not be able to choose a school without knowing their eligibility for student aid.

To assist those who have experienced complications with the FAFSA process, Cassidy's office has launched a website hotline where students, guidance counselors, college admissions faculty, financial aid administrators, and others can report issues. The hotline can be accessed at www.help.senate.gov/FAFSA.

The GAO investigation and Cassidy's efforts to address the FAFSA rollout demonstrate the concerns and frustrations of Republican lawmakers with the Biden administration's handling of education and student aid. The delays in the FAFSA process have left students and families uncertain about their financial aid eligibility and have hindered their ability to make informed decisions about college.

For more information on this issue and updates from HELP Republicans, visit their website or follow them on Twitter at @GOPHELP.

Click here to watch the full press conference.