Home School Graduation Recognition Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6392, the Home School Graduation Recognition Act. The bill reinstates and clarifies present law to make clear that homeschooled students are eligible for Federal student aid so that they can pursue higher education.

Under the Higher Education Act, students who complete a home school program recognized under their State's law qualify for title IV aid, including Pell grants and Federal student loans. Each State sets its own requirements for the education of homeschooled students.

The HEA confirms that homeschoolers must meet their State's eligibility requirements to receive Federal student aid if educated at home according to those State rules. HEA does allow schools to set their admission standards for students, including those educated at home, but no homeschooled student should be denied Federal higher education assistance just because they do not technically have a regular high school diploma. This bill clarifies that eligibility if they have qualified under their State laws.

Mr. Speaker, I do urge my colleagues to support the bill in its efforts to clarify the laws to ensure students access to higher education. Of course, that being said, the bill may clarify some students' right to Federal student aid, but the action does not go far enough to mitigate the damage done since the Trump administration came in about 1 year ago. By illegally dismantling much of the Department of Education, firing critical Federal financial aid staff, and limiting access to Federal aid in the big, ugly law, the Trump administration has only put higher education further out of reach for many.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6392 because the bill makes it clear that homeschooled graduates have access to higher education.

By further clarifying the intent of the Higher Education Act, this bill would ensure that students who complete a home school program recognized under their State's law can continue to qualify for title IV aid, including Pell grants and Federal student loans.

Fortunately, this bill will help ensure that these students can access an affordable, high-quality degree while this action taken by this body is reducing and denying aid to others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we pass the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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