Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee held a hearing on reauthorizing the Higher Education Act (HEA) and proposals to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The following is a statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos:

“Washington has been talking about simplifying the FAFSA for years, but now is the time for action. Students and schools have demanded and truly deserve a better, simpler process.

"The Higher Education Act is a child of the 1960s, and it's time to recraft the HEA to match the realities of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. I applaud Chairman Alexander for his continued leadership in promoting bold reforms, and I share Senator Murray's sentiment that we must address the big issues. I look forward to working with the committee and the entire Congress to complete this important work and send a student-centric, forward-looking bill to the president's desk.”