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Thune Pushes Pell Grant Bill Amid Republican Doubts

7/1/2025

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Left

Thune Advocates Education Bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is championing a revised reconciliation bill that broadens Pell Grant eligibility for short-term job training programs. This pivotal legislation introduces accountability for colleges and offers tax breaks for small institutions. With a looming July 4 deadline, the Senate is poised to vote, but some Republicans remain wary, threatening the bill's future.

Center

Trump's Education Cuts

Proposed cuts in President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" could spell disaster for community college students. Stricter Pell Grant eligibility would force low-income students to enroll full-time, jeopardizing their ability to balance work and family. Additionally, the elimination of subsidized loans threatens to swell student debt, making higher education even less accessible.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1972, the Pell Grant program aimed to enhance access to higher education for low-income students. By 2020, over 7 million students received approximately $28 billion in grants. Recent legislative proposals, including those by John Thune, seek to expand eligibility for job training programs, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt educational funding to meet workforce demands amid rising tuition costs.

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Thune Advocates Education Bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is championing a revised reconciliation bill that broadens Pell Grant eligibility for short-term job training programs. This pivotal legislation introduces accountability for colleges and offers tax breaks for small institutions. With a looming July 4 deadline, the Senate is poised to vote, but some Republicans remain wary, threatening the bill's future.

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