H.R.3530 - Flight Education Access Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3530, the Flight Education Access Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase federal student loan limits for students enrolled in flight education and training programs. The bill introduces specific loan limits for eligible students in undergraduate flight education programs, differentiating between dependent and independent students, and considering their progress in the program. It also mandates data collection and reporting on program completion rates and student demographics.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased access to funding for students pursuing careers as commercial pilots. This could lead to a greater supply of qualified pilots, potentially addressing pilot shortages in the aviation industry. The bill also introduces reporting requirements that will provide data on the effectiveness of flight education programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to higher loan limits for students in flight education programs.
- Potential for a larger and more diverse pool of qualified pilots.
- Standardized data collection and reporting on flight education program outcomes.
- May help alleviate pilot shortages, benefiting the aviation industry and travelers.
- Could encourage more individuals to pursue careers in aviation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased student debt for those pursuing flight education, especially if completion rates are low.
- Potential for higher default rates on student loans if graduates cannot secure well-paying jobs.
- The increased loan limits may not be sufficient to cover the full cost of flight training.
- The 70% completion rate requirement for programs could lead to institutions lowering standards to maintain eligibility.
- The cost of the program may be passed on to taxpayers through increased loan defaults or the need for additional subsidies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by aiming to promote the development of a skilled workforce in the aviation sector, which contributes to the overall economic well-being of the nation. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The authorization of appropriations is a power explicitly granted to Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).