Gowdy, Welch Amendments Included in House Education Bill

Today two amendments proposed by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) were included in House-passed education affordability legislation, H.R. 3136, the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2013.

“Too many students and families are struggling under the rising cost of higher education and student loan debt. The House is working to encourage innovation in our higher education system, promote flexible learning opportunities and reduce the cost of higher education,” Gowdy said. “Our amendments included in today's bill will help reduce unnecessary and burdensome government regulations that can contribute to costs and prevent institutions from pursuing innovative solutions for students.”

“A college education has always been the gateway to the American middle class,” said Welch. “With college costs up 1,120 percent over the last 30 years, and with students nationwide racking up $1.2 trillion in college loan debts, a college diploma is slipping further and further from the reach of young Americans.  I am pleased that the House today approved our bipartisan amendments that will lead to lower college costs 

The amendments included in HR 3136 would:

• Create a Regulatory Reform Task Force charged with cutting unnecessary and burdensome federal regulations that contribute to college operating costs. Task Force membership includes:

o  The Secretary of Education or the Secretary’s designee

o  A representative of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance established under section of the Higher Education Act of 1965

o  Representatives from the higher education community

• Permit participation of dual enrollment programs in the competency-based demonstration projects set up in the bill. 

Last October, Gowdy and Welch introduced these proposals as part of the Flexibility to Innovate for College Affordability Act.