NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
More careers than ever require post-secondary education, yet higher education is increasingly out of reach. Students and families—not public dollars—now fund the bulk of higher education costs.
For years, NEA members advocated canceling college debt to help fix educator shortages. In the last decade under NEA’s advocacy, student loans taken out by 48 million borrowers have been substantially reduced, forgiven, or even canceled outright. This includes more than 1 million public service workers who have received over $78 billion in student debt forgiveness thanks to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
NEA also supports dedicated faculty, staff, and graduate workers of our nation’s colleges and universities who help students pursue their passions. We advocate for safe working conditions, fair pay and benefits, academic freedom, increases to tenure density, and so much more.
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VOTE NO on H.R. 1
Submitted on July 2, 2025
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VOTE NO on Senate budget bill
Submitted on June 28, 2025
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VOTE NO on House budget bill
Submitted on May 21, 2025
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 2485 Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2025 www.congress.gov
Introduced on July 28, 2025
A bill that would amend section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and codify current regulations into law to allow part-time and contingent higher education faculty to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
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Support
HR 3711 POST GRAD Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on June 4, 2025
This bill would reverse the provision of the Budget Control Act to restore the eligibility of graduate students to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.
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Support
S 1948 POST GRAD Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on June 4, 2025
This bill would reverse the provision of the Budget Control Act to restore the eligibility of graduate students to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.
A History Advocating for Higher Education
Higher Education Act Becomes Law
Pell Grants Begin
Higher Education Act Reauthorization
GEAR UP Begins
PSLF Program Created
Higher Education Opportunity Act Enacted

PSLF Program Overhauled to Meet Educators' Needs
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