Bill · S. 4269· Senate(119-S-4269)
Restoring College Access and Affordability Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Richard Blumenthal
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Restoring College Access and Affordability Act repeals several provisions from a previous law (Public Law 119-21). These repeals cover areas such as loan limits, loan repayment, deferment, forbearance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The bill also repeals certain Pell Grant eligibility and exclusion rules. Additionally, it updates definitions for educational programs regarding low earning outcomes and sets a 1.4 percent excise tax on the endowment income of private colleges and universities.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would students be better off under this?+9
Extensively improves access to funding and relief for higher education.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+8
Directly benefits current and future college students through increased loan access and grants.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+8
Expands Pell Grant eligibility and restores affordable loan options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Student Loan and Grant Access: By repealing sections of Public Law 119-21 related to loan limits (Section 2), loan repayment (Section 3a), deferment and forbearance (Section 3b), and Pell Grant eligibility (Section 4a and 4b), the bill removes restrictions or changes previously imposed by that law.
-
Loan Forgiveness: The repeal of Section 82004 of Public Law 119-21 (Section 3c) relates to Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
-
Borrower Protections: The bill repeals delays on rules concerning borrower defense to repayment (Section 6a) and closed school discharges (Section 6b).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Tax on Institutions: Section 7 modifies the Internal Revenue Code to set a 1.4 percent excise tax on the endowment income of private colleges and universities.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+9Good For Low Income Households+8Good For Young Adults+8Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+3Good For White Americans+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Student Loan Relief+8Improves College Affordability+7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 6/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont