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Closing the College Hunger Gap Act

2/26/2025, 9:21 PM

Summary of Bill HR 777

Bill 119 hr 777, also known as the "Higher Education Act Amendment," aims to make it easier for students who are struggling financially to access assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill proposes that the Secretary of Education must provide information to students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) about their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits.

The bill seeks to address the issue of food insecurity among college students by ensuring that those in need are aware of the resources available to them. By requiring the Secretary of Education to send information about SNAP eligibility to certain students, the bill aims to increase access to food assistance for those who may not be aware of their eligibility.

In addition to providing information about SNAP benefits, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to higher education and student financial aid. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 hr 777 is to support students in need and ensure that they have access to the resources necessary to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Congressional Summary of HR 777

Closing the College Hunger Gap Act

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to send information regarding potential eligibility for assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to certain college students.

Specifically, ED must send this information, in both written and electronic form, to a student who submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has a negative or zero student aid index for the year. ED must also provide the student with contact information for the state agency that administers SNAP in the state in which the student resides.

ED must consult with the Department of Agriculture and other applicable federal or state agencies to design the written and electronic communications regarding potential SNAP eligibility and the SNAP application process.

Current Status of Bill HR 777

Bill HR 777 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 28, 2025. Bill HR 777 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 28, 2025.  Bill HR 777's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. as of January 28, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 777

Total Number of Sponsors
8
Democrat Sponsors
8
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
107
Democrat Cosponsors
107
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 777

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 777

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to send to certain students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid information regarding potential eligibility for assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, and for other purposes.
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to send to certain students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid information regarding potential eligibility for assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, and for other purposes.

Comments

@undefined

0

1 year ago

I think this bill is great! It will help students who need assistance with food while they are in school. I'm excited to see how this will help those in need. How will this bill impact other students across the country?

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 777

Jahana Hayes
Jahana Hayes
ConnecticutDemocrat
Nydia M. Velázquez
Nydia M. Velázquez
New YorkDemocrat
Rashida Tlaib
Rashida Tlaib
MichiganDemocrat
Dina Titus
Dina Titus
NevadaDemocrat
Mary Gay Scanlon
Mary Gay Scanlon
PennsylvaniaDemocrat
Linda T. Sánchez
Linda T. Sánchez
CaliforniaDemocrat

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