AID Act
12/30/2022, 3:49 AMSummary of Bill HR 6425
Bill 117 hr 6425, also known as the AID Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide aid and assistance to countries in need, particularly those facing humanitarian crises or natural disasters. The AID Act aims to strengthen the United States' role in providing support to countries in need, and to promote stability and security in regions that are experiencing turmoil.The bill outlines specific measures to increase funding for foreign aid programs, including provisions for disaster relief, food assistance, and development projects. It also emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in the distribution of aid, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently.
Additionally, the AID Act includes provisions for collaboration with international organizations and other countries to maximize the impact of aid efforts. It also calls for regular reporting and evaluation of aid programs to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Overall, the AID Act seeks to reaffirm the United States' commitment to providing assistance to countries in need, and to promote global stability and security through strategic foreign aid initiatives.
Congressional Summary of HR 6425
Achieving Independence through Degrees Act or the AID Act
This bill revises certain federal student-aid programs. Among other changes, the bill expands access to Pell Grants, expands loan counseling requirements, revises the Federal Work-Study Program, updates the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, and extends Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to certain students.
The bill expands access to Pell Grants by (1) increasing the maximum award and indexing it for inflation; (2) increasing the semester eligibility limit to 15 semesters; (3) extending eligibility to certain short-term workforce training programs; (4) excluding from gross income, for income tax purposes, any amount received as a Pell Grant; and (5) allowing Pell Grants to be used for living and non-tuition expenses.
The bill revises student loan counseling requirements applicable to institutions of higher education (IHEs) by requiring annual financial counseling and expanding exit counseling.
Additionally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the Federal Work-Study Program and otherwise revises the program, including by allocating program funds to IHEs based on the amount of Pell Grant funds received by each IHE. It establishes a pilot program that provides work-based learning opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
The bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to allow students to complete FAFSA as independent students under special circumstances. Further, the bill prohibits ED from asking about drug-related convictions on FAFSA.
The bill also allows certain students, including those who have an expected family contribution of zero, to qualify for SNAP benefits.
