WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) voted in support of H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act, legislation that would require the Department of Education to ensure the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is released and fully operational by October 1 each year. The bill passed the House through a bipartisan vote of 381 to 1.  

“For many of the families I represent, the FAFSA is an indispensable component to making decisions about higher education,” said Rep. Finstad. “This administration’s failure to effectively administer the FAFSA has caused unnecessary frustration and uncertainty for students, parents, colleges, and universities nationwide. Students deserve ample time to weigh the financial aid options that best suit their needs, which is why I was proud to cosponsor the FAFSA Deadline Act and support its passage on the House Floor today.”  

 Background:

Historically, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been made available by October 1^st to allow students, families, and schools ample time to make financial decisions for the upcoming academic year.

However, in 2023, the Biden-Harris Department of Education (ED) announced the FAFSA would be delayed past October 1, 2023. This year, ED refused to commit to an October 1 release date and this August announced the FAFSA would be delayed until December 1, setting a new precedent of delaying the FAFSA for a second straight year.

In April 2024, Rep. Finstad sent a letter to Secretary Miguel Cardona seeking answers regarding the Department of Education’s delayed rollout of the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year and urging ED to quickly find solutions for families to make informed decisions regarding their students’ academic futures.