Congress to Act on HEROES Waivers

The U.S. Congress is expected to act this week to extend the authority for the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act.

The HEROES Act permits the U.S. secretary of education to excuse military personnel from their federal student-loan obligations while they serve on active duty. It also grants the education secretary authority to waive or modify federal student-aid requirements to ensure those affected by war, military operations or national emergencies are not disadvantaged regarding their financial aid because of their status. The legislation originally was enacted in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The current authority for HEROES Act waivers expires Sept. 30.

Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., and Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., have introduced separate pieces of legislation to permanently extend the HEROES Act waiver authority.