I
119THCONGRESS
1
STSESSION H. R. 2521
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to protect opportunities for
families in the Federal student aid process, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH31, 2025
Mr. S
MITHof New Jersey introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Education and Workforce
A BILL
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to protect
opportunities for families in the Federal student aid
process, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-1
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 3
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘American Family 4
FAFSA Opportunity Act of 2025’’. 5
SEC. 2. ELIMINATING THE SIBLING PENALTY. 6
Paragraph (3) of section 475(b) of the Higher Edu-7
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087oo(b)(3)) is amended 8
to read as follows: 9
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•HR 2521 IH
‘‘(3) dividing the assessment resulting under 1
paragraph (2) by the number of the family members, 2
excluding student’s parents, who are enrolled or ac-3
cepted for enrollment, on at least a half-time basis, 4
in a degree, certificate, or other program leading to 5
a recognized educational credential at an institution 6
of higher education that is an eligible institution in 7
accordance with the provisions of section 487 during 8
the award period for which assistance under the title 9
is requested; 10
except that the amount determined under this subsection 11
shall not be less than zero.’’. 12
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. 13
The amendment made by this Act shall take effect 14
on the date of enactment of this Act, and shall apply with 15
respect to award year 2025–2026 and each subsequent 16
award year, as determined under the Higher Education 17
Act of 1965. 18
Æ
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