STATEMENT: PDE Action Supports Sen. Moody’s Companion Bill to H.R. 9609, the “Less Bureaucracy, Better Student Aid Act”

Parents Defending Education Action is pleased to support Sen. Moody’s Senate companion bill to HR 9609, the “Less Bureaucracy, Better Student Aid Act.” 

The U.S. Department of Education currently manages the Federal Student Aid program, which distributes over $120 billion in grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to millions of students each year. Secretary Linda McMahon and her staff have administered this responsibility marvelously. 

Nevertheless, the proper place for the Federal Student Aid program is in an agency with the expertise to manage massive financial enterprises – the U.S. Department of the Treasury. HR 9609 and Sen. Moody’s companion bill would transfer oversight of the Federal Student Aid program to the capable hands of Treasury Department staff whose mission and resources are better aligned with the responsibilities required by law. 

At the same time, freeing the Department of Education from managing the Federal Student Aid program would allow it to focus on its mission of administering programs that advance educational excellence and access for all students. Overburdening the Department of Education with responsibilities beyond its core mission undermines the agency’s effectiveness and jeopardizes taxpayer investments in our students. That is why passage of this legislation is essential.

Terry Stoops 

Director of Government Affairs 

Parents Defending Education Action