H.R.1825 - Guarding Religious And Career Education Act; GRACE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1825, the Guarding Religious And Career Education Act (GRACE Act), aims to eliminate the Office of Enforcement within the Office of Federal Student Aid. This office was established in 2021 to enhance oversight of federal student aid programs. The bill directs the Secretary of Education to carry out this elimination through the chief operating officer for the Office of Federal Student Aid.
The primary goal is to reduce federal oversight in the student aid sector, particularly concerning religious and career education institutions. Proponents argue that this will reduce bureaucratic burdens. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the GRACE Act would dismantle the Office of Enforcement within the Office of Federal Student Aid.
This would likely lead to reduced scrutiny of educational institutions receiving federal student aid, especially those with a religious or career-focused orientation. The change could affect how federal student aid is distributed and monitored, potentially impacting students and institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced regulatory burden on religious and career education institutions, potentially leading to lower administrative costs.
- Greater autonomy for these institutions in managing their programs.
- Streamlined processes for institutions interacting with the Department of Education.
- Potential for increased innovation and flexibility in educational offerings.
- Could lead to a more efficient allocation of resources within the Department of Education by eliminating a specific office.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced oversight could lead to increased instances of fraud or mismanagement of federal student aid funds.
- Weaker protections for students against predatory practices by educational institutions.
- Potential for decreased accountability among institutions receiving federal funding.
- May disproportionately affect vulnerable student populations who rely on federal aid.
- Could undermine efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to education and federal spending under Article I, Section 8 (the General Welfare Clause).
However, the potential impact on religious institutions raises questions under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. The elimination of the Office of Enforcement could be argued as either supporting religious freedom by reducing government oversight or undermining it by potentially allowing discriminatory practices if religious institutions are not properly monitored.
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).