The FAFSA Deadline Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), is heading to the White House.
The bipartisan act would require the U.S. Department of Education to release the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Oct. 1 each year. After the House of Representatives passed the act 381-1, the Senate unanimously approved the FAFSA Deadline ActWednesday. It heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Houchin introduced the bill in July. She represents Indiana’s Ninth District, which includes Monroe County.
Read more: FAFSA form delayed again as Houchin pushes bill for stricter deadline
“The overwhelming bipartisan support this bill received reflects a shared commitment to improving the financial aid process for students and families,” Houchin said. “The FAFSA Deadline Act will bring clarity to a system that too often leaves families in the dark.”
The FAFSA Deadline Act would require the Department of Education to certify to Congress the release by Sept. 1 every year.
The application traditionally releases on Oct. 1. But after Congress mandated updates to the form, the FAFSA was released months late and full of errors last year.
Read more: FAFSA glitches leave students, colleges without crucial financial information
This year, the Department of Education has improved the form, and it quietly released the application in November.
The FAFSA Deadline Act has been supported by higher education leaders, including the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
“We would encourage President Biden to sign the FAFSA Deadline Act soon, an important piece of legislation that would ensure students and families have earlier, consistent access to critical financial aid information,” the association said in a release.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
