Republicans call for investigation into ‘botched’ student aid rollout

The Hill

Lexi Lonas

January 24, 2024

Republican lawmakers on Wednesday called for an investigation into the Department of Education’s rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program, calling it a “botched” effort.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, along with 26 other Republicans, sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting an investigation into the FAFSA rollout.

The rollout experienced difficulties for some time after the new program was launched, delaying the period colleges had to make financial aid offers and potential students had to decide which school to attend.

The Republicans pointed out the FAFSA Simplification Act was passed in 2020, and the department had three years to implement a new form.

When the form was finally launched Dec. 30, it was open to students only for a limited time. Applicants were not able to fully access it at all times until Jan. 6, six days past the deadline Congress set for the department to launch the new FAFSA.

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