Summary of H.Res. 958: Supporting the 60th Anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965
Overview
H.Res. 958 is a House of Representatives simple resolution that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for all Americans. It was introduced on December 17, 2025, by Ms. Wilson of Florida, for herself and co-sponsors Ms. Adams and Ms. Craig, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Purpose and Intent
- Officially recognize the 60-year milestone of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965.
- Acknowledge the historical efforts that led to the Act and its ongoing strengthening of higher education access.
- Reaffirm the House’s commitment to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue and complete higher education, regardless of background or circumstance.
Key Provisions (Substantive Provisions in the Resolution)
As a resolution, H.Res. 958 primarily contains declarative statements rather than new law. Its substantive elements include:
- Acknowledgment that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
- Recognition of the advocacy and efforts of generations who expanded access to higher education for populations historically facing poverty, racial injustice, discrimination, and other barriers.
- Recitation of the HEA’s historical role in authorizing student aid programs (grants, loans, work-study), support for research funding, teacher preparation programs, and aid to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, two-year colleges, and other developing institutions.
- Mention of notable amendments and programs associated with the Act, including:
- Federal TRIO Programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Special Services for Disadvantaged Students).
- Title IX protections (Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act).
- Pell Grant program (formerly Basic Educational Opportunity Grant).
- Provisions supporting migrant and seasonal farmworker students (High School Equivalency Program, College Assistance Migrant Program).
- College readiness and access initiatives (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).
- Loan forgiveness opportunities targeting public servants, teachers, servicemembers, and civil servants.
- Support for Hispanic-serving institutions (Title V).
- Formal resolution text that states commitment to ensuring access to higher education for all Americans as a matter of national democracy and economic vitality.
Who Is Affected
- American students and families seeking higher education access, particularly low-income students and first-generation college students (through HEA-based programs).
- Institutions of higher education, including minority-serving institutions, two-year colleges, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
- Federal and state policymakers, educators, and administrators implementing or relying on HEA programs and related student aid, readiness, and loan forgiveness initiatives.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Introduced: December 17, 2025.
- Status: Submitted in the House of Representatives.
- Referral: Committee on Education and Workforce.
- No substantive changes to law are proposed; the resolution serves to commemorate and reaffirm commitment.
Bottom Line
H.Res. 958 is a commemorative measure that honors the 60th anniversary of the HEA and reaffirms Congress’s ongoing dedication to expanding equitable access to higher education. It highlights the Act’s historic programs and calls for continued efforts to remove barriers to postsecondary education for all Americans.
