Senator Susan Collins did not mince words as she questioned Secretary of the Department of Education Miguel Cardona regarding the delays in implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act. During a hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education, Senator Collins expressed her disappointment in Secretary Cardona's leadership, labeling the FAFSA system's issues as "inexcusable and inexplicable."
Senator Collins, who co-sponsored the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, emphasized the Department of Education's failure to roll out a new simplified FAFSA program by the required deadline. She highlighted the impact of these delays on students and families, stating, "students in my state have been up in the air about what they would do."
In response to Senator Collins' questioning, Secretary Cardona acknowledged the frustrations and delays in the implementation process. He cited issues with coding and the complexity of overhauling the FAFSA system, emphasizing the commitment to improving the process for students.
Senator Collins, drawing from her experience working at Husson University in Maine, underscored the critical role of federal financial aid in enabling students, particularly first-generation college students, to access higher education. She raised concerns about the real-life consequences of the FAFSA delays and questioned whether the Department had considered testing the new system before its full launch.
Secretary Cardona reassured Senator Collins of ongoing efforts to work with colleges and financial aid offices to address concerns and make necessary adjustments. He emphasized the importance of getting the FAFSA process right for future generations of students seeking higher education opportunities.
The exchange between Senator Collins and Secretary Cardona sheds light on the frustrations surrounding the delayed implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act and underscores the need for accountability and improvement within the Department of Education.
For more information and updates from the Committee on Appropriations, interested parties can contact Room S-128, The Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20510, or reach out at (202) 224-7363.
