In a recent congressional hearing, lawmakers scrutinized the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), highlighting significant failures that have left many students and families in distress. The hearing, titled \"JLs Uncovers Biden Harris FAFSA Failures,\" addressed ongoing issues stemming from the implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act, which was designed to streamline the application process.

Chairman Owens opened the session by expressing disappointment that the hearing was necessary, citing the complexity of the FAFSA form as a longstanding challenge. Despite the act's passage in 2020, aimed at reducing the number of questions and simplifying the process, the administration has reportedly failed to deliver on these promises. As of late 2024, the situation remains unresolved, with over 430,000 fewer students submitting FAFSA applications last year, disproportionately affecting low-income students.

Owens criticized the Department of Education for reallocating resources to political initiatives, such as the controversial student loan forgiveness program, rather than focusing on FAFSA improvements. He noted that many families have struggled to receive timely assistance, with three-quarters of calls to FAFSA support going unanswered for months. The lack of responsiveness from the department has prompted bipartisan calls for accountability, with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) launching an investigation into the matter.

Ranking member Wilson echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of a college degree as a pathway to success. She expressed frustration over the repeated issues with FAFSA, which have led to delays and confusion for students and college advisors alike. Wilson highlighted the emotional toll on students who have given up on their college aspirations due to the complications surrounding financial aid.

Both lawmakers underscored the urgency of resolving these issues to ensure that students can access the financial aid they need to pursue higher education. As the hearing progressed, the committee aimed to discuss preliminary findings from the GAO investigation and explore ways to prevent future failures in the FAFSA process.