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Democrats say GOP plan would shrink Pell and punish part‑time students; Republicans say changes force accountability
Summary
Committee Democrats warned the reconciliation package would redefine full‑time Pell eligibility (raising the threshold to 30 credits per year), cap federal aid at program medians, and cut the average Pell award, while Republicans said the changes would pressure colleges to lower tuition and improve outcomes.
Lede: Democratic members argued that the reconciliation package’s changes to Pell Grant eligibility and annual caps would cut aid for part‑time, working, and parenting students and reduce access to college; Republicans said caps and median‑based aid would put downward pressure on tuition and limit taxpayer exposure.
Nut graf: Much of the markup turned on how to define and fund Pell: Democrats repeatedly urged protection of existing Pell coverage…
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