Washington, DC – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and her colleagues on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce marked up and passed H.R. 4508, the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act – bold legislation to reauthorize and reform our federal higher education programs.
“As the first member of my immediate family to graduate from college, I am committed to ensuring that our students have the chance to achieve their higher education dreams,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The status quo in higher education is failing our students and the PROSPER Act includes many needed reforms that will help students complete their college degrees. I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes my initiative to maintain access to Pell Grants year round. This has been a priority item of mine since arriving in Congress and it will ensure students have needed flexibility to access affordable education. Furthermore, students taking advantage of flexible Pell to achieve 30 credits per year will be eligible for an additional $300 Pell bonus.
“This legislation keeps consumer best interests in mind and eliminates origination fees on all federal student loans, ensuring students are receiving more of the money they borrow.
“This legislation also reforms work study programs to better serve Pell students, nearly doubles federal investment in work study, and removes arbitrary caps that limited where a student could work. I am pleased this legislation also addresses the opioid epidemic facing students by requiring the Secretary of Education to identify best practices for campuses.
“With my support, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) was preserved with a bipartisan amendment. The 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division partnered with the USIP in Mahmoudiya, Iraq, resulting in a landmark 2007 Tribal accord resulting in a peace that lasts today.
“I thank Chairwoman Foxx and my colleagues on the Committee for their work to bring our higher education system into the 21st Century and refocus federal attention to student outcomes.”
Click here for video of Rep. Stefanik speaking support of the United States Institute of Peace.
More information on the Prosper Act:
Bill Summary
Bill Text
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