Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, along with other Congressional Republicans, has requested an investigation into the Biden administration's mishandling of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. In a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the lawmakers expressed concerns about the delays in implementing the program, which have negatively impacted students' and families' access to crucial financial aid for college.

The lawmakers pointed out that the Department of Education (Education) has repeatedly postponed the rollout of the new FAFSA, causing uncertainty for students and schools. The delays may discourage low-income students, who are most dependent on federal aid, from pursuing postsecondary education. The lawmakers also raised questions about Education's efforts to provide students and schools with the necessary information and guidance on the new FAFSA form and process.

The bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, passed in 2020, aimed to make financial aid more accessible by streamlining the application process. However, despite having three years to prepare for the FAFSA rollout, the Department of Education made the application available for only a short period of time on December 30 and 31, 2023, before fully launching it on January 6, 2024, days after the deadline set by Congress. This delayed timeline has caused complications for high school counselors, who had to postpone financial aid information sessions and are now rushing to help students navigate the new FAFSA process. Additionally, colleges have been unable to provide students with timely financial aid offers, giving them less time and information to make informed decisions about their college options.

The lawmakers are seeking information on how the Department of Education plans to address the issues with the FAFSA rollout to prevent future complications and ensure timely access for students. They have requested that the GAO examine the challenges faced by students and schools during the initial award cycle for the new FAFSA, as well as the steps taken by Education to identify and address these challenges. The lawmakers also want to know if Education has provided students and schools with sufficient information and guidance on completing the new FAFSA and incorporating the changes into their financial aid award processes.

Senator Capito's efforts to address the botched FAFSA rollout were highlighted during a recent Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference. The letter to the Comptroller General Dodaro, along with the full text of the letter, can be found on Senator Capito's website.

This investigation into the Biden administration's mishandling of the FAFSA rollout reflects the lawmakers' commitment to ensuring that students have access to the financial aid they need for college. By addressing the delays and providing clear information and guidance, the lawmakers hope to prevent future complications and ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to pursue higher education.