News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s proposals to reform the Higher Education Act:
 
“The proposals put forward by the Trump Administration are a step in the right direction in reforming our higher education system,” Rubio said. “Investing in a college education is one of the most important decisions that students and families can make. I also echo the administration’s recognition of the important contributions that Historically Black Colleges and Universities make to our country, including in my home state of Florida.”
 
Many of the “Higher Education Reform Principles” announced by the White House mirror reforms pushed by Rubio, including Rubio’s bipartisan Student Right to Know Before You Go Act.
 
“I welcome the administration’s support of policy proposals that provide critical information to help students and families make informed decisions on their educational future,” Rubio continued. “My bipartisan Student Right to Know Before You Go Act would give students more information about how much money they should expect to borrow as well as future earning potential for the schools and areas of study they are planning to pursue. It is encouraging that the administration recognizes this lack of information for prospective students and has included several of the key provisions from this legislation. I look forward to working my colleagues to provide our students with the information they need to make the best decision for their future.”
 
The “Higher Education Reform Principles” announced by the White House also includes reforms to “Reorient the Accreditation Process to Focus on Student Outcomes.” Last Congress, Rubio, along with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), introduced a bill to create an outcome-focused alternative system of accreditation for high-quality American colleges, universities, and other higher education providers so their students can access federal financial aid.
 
“The administration is right to push for policies to reform the accreditation system, an effort I am focused on in Congress in order to provide more students with access to federal financial aid,” Rubio added. “To modernize our higher education system, we must update the current accreditation system, which stifles competition, fuels soaring tuition costs, and limits opportunities for nontraditional students, such as working parents.”
 
The administration’s reform principles also calls for simplification of the student loan repayment system, which Rubio has supported. Last Congress, Rubio, along with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), introduced the bipartisan Dynamic Student Loan Repayment Act to ease the burden and confusion for borrowers when they are paying their loans back.
 
“Too often students are caught in the disorienting maze of repayment options and are unsure what option best fits their unique situation,” Rubio said. “By simplifying the repayment system and ensuring students are enrolled in Income Based Repayment, we can ensure that people with federal student loans have affordable payments and stronger borrowing protections.”
 
Related:

• March 6, 2019: Rubio, Wyden, Warner, Reintroduce “Student Right to Know Before you Go Act” to Empower Students as Consumers
• March 31 2017: Rubio, Warner Introduce Legislation to Ease Burden of Student Loan Debt
• March 13, 2017: Rubio, Bennet Introduce Alternative to Accreditation that Shifts Focus to Student Success