Democrats are pushing for new legislation that will make it easier for low-income families to access college education. The bill, however, will cost taxpayers $400 billion. Republicans are opposed to such a bill citing the cost and lack of bipartisanship when coming up with the bill
House Democrats are proposing a bill that would see an overhaul of the federal higher education law. Increasing the financial aid and the creation of a $94 billion fund that will be available to states to help them in providing tuition-free community college. This will help students from low-income households and minorities to access college education with ease.
The College Affordability Act will cost the US taxpayer $400 billion over the next 10 years if becomes law. However, the bill which updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 for the first time in a decade is expected to face opposition from the republicans. It is also very unlikely that it will be passed by the Senate which is controlled by the Republican party.
Pelosi push for the affordable college plan
Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, however, is optimistic that such a legislation can become a bipartisan issue and both parties can work together to solve the crisis in the education sector. She has emphasized that, in case of opposition of the bill, she will move forward with calling for the house to vote for it and it will be up to Republicans to decide if they want to be part of this legislation.
The speaker said,
We must put an end to years of Republican inaction, because we can no longer afford to do nothing when 44 million Americans are saddled with $1.5 trillion in debt.
This was while confirming that the bill should move forward, if the Republicans will not be willing to join forces in the passing of the bill.
The House bill, if passed into law would see increased federal funding to prod states funding for the free tuition in community colleges, federal Pell Grants offered to low-income students and minorities would also increase, it would also simplify the process of the loan application and loan repayment. The law is also meant to prevent the Trump Administration from changing some policies Obama had put in place such as the crackdown on for-profit diplomas and the tougher regulations during the investigations of campus sexual assaults.
Mixed reactions from education experts
Republicans have stated they will not take part in the passing of the bill. They released a statement which stated,
Instead of promoting unworkable partisan bills, we ought to work together to support students’ access to affordable post-secondary education.
Discussions will continue on the best way forward, but the bill has elicited mixed reactions from education experts, other lawmakers, universities, colleges and from the public. The most contentious issue has been how the bill will be funded. The House push to reverse the Trump administration education policy, however, will be a showdown that will further divide the House and the Senate and expose the fragility of bipartisanship of the two parties and Houses.
