H.R.3146 - Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Student Debt Act; HEROES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3146, the HEROES Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) as eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 1, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
The bill defines qualified volunteer firefighters and EMTs, specifying criteria related to their service and employment status. It also directs the Secretary of Education to establish regulations regarding minimum volunteer time requirements and verification processes.
Ultimately, the goal is to alleviate student debt burdens for volunteer first responders, incentivizing continued service in these critical roles.
Expected Effects
The HEROES Act, if enacted, would expand the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program to include volunteer firefighters and EMTs. This would allow eligible individuals to have their student loan debt forgiven after meeting the program's requirements, such as making 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
This change could encourage more individuals to volunteer as firefighters and EMTs, addressing potential shortages in these vital public safety roles. It may also provide financial relief to those already serving as volunteers.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Student Debt: Volunteer firefighters and EMTs could have their student loans forgiven, easing their financial burdens.
- Increased Volunteerism: The prospect of loan forgiveness could attract more people to volunteer as firefighters and EMTs.
- Support for Rural Communities: Volunteer first responders are crucial in rural areas; this bill supports their service.
- Financial Incentive: Provides a financial incentive for individuals to dedicate their time and skills to public safety.
- Addresses Personnel Shortages: By incentivizing volunteerism, the bill helps address potential shortages in emergency services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Program Costs: Expanding PSLF could increase the overall cost of the program to taxpayers.
- Potential for Abuse: There might be challenges in verifying volunteer hours and preventing fraudulent claims.
- Administrative Burden: The Department of Education would need to create and implement new regulations and verification processes.
- Minimum Volunteer Time: Determining the minimum volunteer time required could be contentious and may not satisfy all stakeholders.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses student loan debt and may not solve all the challenges faced by volunteer first responders.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The HEROES Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to support essential public services by incentivizing volunteerism in firefighting and emergency medical services. The Constitution's preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare".
Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from its power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare through spending and taxation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, which this bill amends, is based on similar constitutional grounds.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions or amendments. The bill does not infringe on individual liberties, rights, or privacy.
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).