Scott, Hinojosa Urge Appropriations Subcommittees to Protect Pell Grants for Students

Press Release

Today, Ranking Member Robert "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) and Ranking Member Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) sent a letter to Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) expressing concern with proposals that would weaken the Pell Grant program in the FY 2017 LHHS bill, and supporting an increase in the maximum Pell Grant award. Committee Democrats believe that students should have access to a higher education that provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy without having to take on decades' worth of student debt. Pell Grants-- the foundation of federal financial aid for low-income students--are critical to this effort. The letter argues for Congress to keep any surpluses in the Pell Grant within the Pell Grant program and not divert these funds to unrelated programs or agencies within the LHHS bill.

"To support the Pell Grant program, it is critical to preserve all available resources in the program," read the letter. "Rescissions, cancellations, or funding level cuts will worsen the funding outlook for Pell Grants and make it harder to strengthen the program through reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Any current surplus balance reflects Congress' intent to make college more affordable for millions of students. In fiscal year 2017, we urge you to keep these funds in the Pell Grant program."

Rather than directing Pell resources to other priorities, Ranking Members Scott and Hinojosa urged the subcommittees to make good use of surplus balances by increasing the award -- set in the LHHS bill -- from $4,860 to $5,000. This increase, when paired with the supplemental funding provided in statute, would raise the maximum Pell Grant to an estimated $6,055 in the 2017-18 academic year--increasing the purchasing power of Pell to two-thirds of the average price of tuition and fees at an in-state four-year institution. Committee Democrats are committed to working towards a comprehensive and bipartisan reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. An increase of the maximum Pell Grant award through the appropriations process will bolster efforts during reauthorization to ensure Pell Grants cover a greater share of college costs for more students.

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