Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.4020 - To authorize the Secretary of Defense to enter into arrangements with institutions of higher education to provide dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students enrolled in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 4020 authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish dual or concurrent enrollment programs for students in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools. This allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit. The bill also permits the provision of financial assistance to students participating in these programs.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to improve educational opportunities for students in military families by providing access to postsecondary education. This could lead to increased college enrollment and better academic outcomes for DODEA students. The long-term effect could be a more educated and skilled workforce among military families.

Potential Benefits 4/5

  • Enhanced educational opportunities for students in DODEA schools.
  • Potential for reduced college costs through dual enrollment.
  • Increased access to postsecondary education for military families.
  • Improved academic outcomes and college readiness.
  • Possible workforce development benefits.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential financial burden on the Department of Defense.
  • Logistical challenges in coordinating programs between DODEA schools and institutions of higher education.
  • Possible inequities if some DODEA schools have better access to programs than others.
  • Risk of program quality varying across different institutions.
  • Administrative overhead in managing financial assistance.

Constitutional Alignment 5/5

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied power of Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the authority to legislate on matters related to the military and education, and this bill falls within those domains. There are no apparent violations of individual rights or enumerated powers.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).