(Washington, D.C.) – Congresswoman Erin Houchin’s FAFSA Deadline Act has passed the House of Representatives by a near-unanimous bipartisan vote of 381 to 1.
Houchin’s office says the legislation provides much-needed clarity for students, families, and universities by ensuring the FAFSA is released and fully operational by October 1 each year. By establishing a hard deadline of October 1, the FAFSA Deadline Act will eliminate the uncertainty created by inconsistent rollouts, according to Rep. Houchin.
“The overwhelming bipartisan support this bill received reflects a shared commitment to improving the financial aid process for students and families,” she said. “The FAFSA Deadline Act will bring clarity to a system that too often leaves families in the dark. I’m proud to lead this effort to ensure students have the tools they need to access higher education without unnecessary obstacles.”
The Senate took up the bill and passed it by unanimous consent.
With passage in both chambers of Congress, the FAFSA Deadline Act now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
Houchin represents Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Ripley, Decatur, Franklin and Dearborn counties, along with a number of others in the southern part of the state.