Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1666 - Pell Grant Sustainability Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1666, the Pell Grant Sustainability Act, aims to index the maximum value of Federal Pell Grants to inflation. This bill seeks to ensure that Pell Grants maintain their purchasing power and continue to cover a significant portion of college costs for lower-income students. The bill amends Section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to adjust the maximum Pell Grant amount annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to stabilize the real value of Pell Grants over time. This would help to ensure that lower-income students can afford to attend college. The bill also includes provisions for rounding the grant amount to the nearest $5 and defines the 'annual adjustment percentage' based on the CPI.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased college affordability for low-income students.
  • Maintained purchasing power of Pell Grants, preventing erosion due to inflation.
  • Enhanced access to higher education, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce.
  • Reduced student debt burden for Pell Grant recipients.
  • Greater financial stability for students relying on Pell Grants.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in government spending, requiring careful budget management.
  • The reliance on CPI may not fully reflect the actual increases in college costs.
  • Possible need for additional appropriations to fully fund the indexed Pell Grants.
  • May not address other systemic issues affecting college affordability, such as tuition increases.
  • The bill's effectiveness depends on accurate CPI calculations and consistent congressional support.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to promote education and opportunity for citizens. Specifically, the preamble states the intention to 'promote the general Welfare'. Congress has the power to legislate in areas that provide for the general welfare of the United States, and education falls under this purview. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).