Fafsa Translation Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the need to have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available in multiple foreign languages. Currently, FAFSA forms are available only in English and Spanish. That is why I am introducing the FAFSA Translation Act, which would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by requiring the Secretary of Education to translate FAFSA into no fewer than 11 foreign languages and make them available in paper and electronic formats. Madam Speaker, the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket, and all students and families in the United States--regardless of how proficient they are in English--are entitled to seek the same financial aid they need to help pay for college. Those who face significant language barriers should not be forced to rely on for-profit companies that charge hundreds of dollars to translate this free application. Translating FAFSA into various languages will help make the financial aid process less complicated for many families across the country. Ultimately, this would allow more students to access higher education-- which is critical for the economic health of the nation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source