Bills · S 994
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 994Education
PROTECT Students Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 12· LAST ACTION MAR 12
READING
64MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a common concern: students accumulating significant debt for degrees or certificates that don't lead to well-paying jobs. By establishing clear financial performance standards for programs, it aims to protect students from predatory or low-quality educational offerings that leave them with high debt and limited career prospects. If this bill becomes law, students would have better information and protections, and programs would face stronger incentives to ensure their graduates are successful.
If the bill does not become law, the existing system, which some argue allows programs to continue receiving federal funds even when their graduates struggle with debt and employment, would remain in place. This could mean more students enrolling in programs that don't offer a good return on investment, perpetuating the cycle of student debt without adequate career advancement. It also means less accountability for institutions that benefit from federal student aid.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires educational programs receiving federal student aid to meet specific standards for "gainful employment" based on how much debt students take on compared to their future earnings and whether graduates earn more than high school graduates.
This provision aims to ensure that federally funded educational programs provide good value for students and taxpayers by connecting program eligibility to student financial outcomes.
PROVISION 02
Strengthens "borrower defense" rules, making it easier for students to get their federal loans forgiven if their school misled them or engaged in other misconduct.
This protects students who are victims of deceptive practices by their educational institutions, providing a pathway to relief from debt.
PROVISION 03
Improves the process for students to have their federal student loans discharged (canceled) if their school unexpectedly closes before they complete their program.
This helps students avoid being stuck with debt for an education they couldn't finish due to a school closure.
PROVISION 04
Prohibits institutions from including clauses in enrollment agreements that prevent students from taking legal action against them, such as class-action lawsuits.
This ensures students retain their legal rights to pursue claims against schools for misconduct or fraud.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a system for the Department of Education to track and resolve student complaints about institutions, and creates a committee to oversee for-profit education.
This improves government oversight and responsiveness to student issues, aiming to catch problems earlier and ensure accountability.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· Illinois
YRS IN OFFICE
43
BILLS LED
136
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 12
Introduced in Senate
MAR 12
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1706-1715)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 994
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 12, 2025
Last actionMar 12, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2025
Senate BillS 994Education
PROTECT Students Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 12, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
64 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
