Alexandria, Virginia — Today CASE issued the following endorsement letter in strong support of H.R. 6951, the College Cost Reduction Act, introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce.

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January 30, 2024

 

The Honorable Virginia Foxx
Chair, House Committee on Education & the Workforce
2462 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Foxx:

On behalf of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy (CASE), the nation’s leading organization devoted to consumer interests through the advancement of free-market principles, I write to express our strong support for H.R. 6951, the College Cost Reduction Act.

Your important legislation offers responsible solutions to address systemic issues within traditional higher education and further takes on the important task of reining in the excessive and burdensome rules that continue to be imposed by the Department of Education. We’re proud to endorse the College Cost Reduction Act and urge all members of Congress to support this crucially needed legislation.

There is broad recognition that America’s higher education system is in a severe state of disrepair. The cost of earning a degree today at a traditional four-year college or university is excessive, traps students under a pile of debt, and too often fails to prepare the next generation to adequately contribute to our nation’s workforce. It can no longer be denied that higher education is in urgent need of a major course correction.

Thankfully, H.R. 6951 represents a serious, thoughtful, and responsible approach to addressing these challenges. We’re pleased to see your legislation includes key provisions related to price transparency, increasing grants for deserving students, and simplifying the student loan repayment process. If enacted, these measures will greatly benefit students, families, and, ultimately, put pressure on institutions to keep costs in check.

Your legislation further prioritizes an even playing field within higher education by reversing biased and pernicious rules imposed by the Department of Education intended to limit some students in their choice of learning institution. Specifically, H.R. 6951 reverses rules regarding 90/10 and Gainful Employment. These two rules remain the most severe threat to the career colleges, proprietary schools, and technical training centers that offer prospective students more learning options and greater opportunity. These schools further create effective competition with traditional four-year institutions and their accompanying ideologies.

A competitive higher education market will improve outcomes, lower costs, and better serve taxpayers and an economy in need of skilled workers. We are proud to support this legislation and look forward to working with you to ensure these essential revisions to the Higher Education Act become law.

Sincerely,

Gerard D. Scimeca
Chairman
Consumer Action for a Strong Economy