Politics in Action: H.R. 2117

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 2117 – Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act

(Rep. Foxx, R-NC, and 69 co-sponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 2117, which would nullify certain Department of Education regulations that help ensure the integrity of the programs of student financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These regulations are necessary to prevent the inflation of the academic credits attributed to postsecondary education courses that could result in the over-awarding of Federal student aid, and for the efficient administration of the student financial aid programs. Congress should not prevent the Secretary of Education from responsibly administering these programs and ensuring that consumers and taxpayers are protected from fraud, waste, and abuse.