1. Democratic lawmakers are calling for an increase in funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid to help student-loan borrowers and families navigate financial aid.
2. Despite President Biden’s requests, Republican lawmakers have opted to flat-fund the agency and even proposed funding cuts, which Democrats argue is hindering FSA’s ability to implement critical programs.
3. The Education Department is facing challenges with the rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, prompting bipartisan calls for more resources to ensure a smoother process for students and borrowers.
A group of Democratic lawmakers, led by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, is urging for increased funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid to help student-loan borrowers and their families navigate financial aid. President Joe Biden has requested $2.7 billion for the office in fiscal year 2025 to facilitate the return to student-loan repayment, the rollout of the new FAFSA form, and other debt relief programs. However, Republicans have opted to flat-fund the agency, leading to challenges for borrowers as federal student-loan payments resumed in October.
The lack of funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid has been identified as a barrier to implementing critical programs to support students and borrowers. Many borrowers have faced challenges such as long wait times with servicers, payment inaccuracies, and delayed billing statements. The Education Department has been working on reforms such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, the SAVE income-driven repayment plan, and the student-loan servicing system overhaul, making additional resources necessary for effective implementation.
Despite bipartisan criticism of the FAFSA rollout, the Education Department has faced technical glitches and aid calculation errors, causing delays for students and schools. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has called on Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to ensure that the FAFSA form is ready and error-free for students applying for aid for the next school year. Cardona, in written testimony before the House, emphasized the need for increased funding to support modernized financial aid applications and student loan repayment processes. Additionally, the Education Department is working on a broader student-debt relief plan, with implementation set to begin this fall pending potential legal challenges.