Tim Kaine: “on March 27 Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to the ongoing…”

“on March 27 Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to the ongoing public health and economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act included a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which provided nearly $14 billion in funding to ensure institutions of higher education could make the transition to distance learning, provide students with essential supports and resources, and cover the enormous costs they've incurred during this time. Unfortunately, the Administration has not followed Congress' intent to provide these colleges and universities with the increased flexibility they need to meet the needs of their students. This is why I'm introducing the Coronavirus Relief Flexibility for Students and Institutions Act, which would fix several implementation issues with the higher education funds in the CARES Act by providing institutions of higher education and students with the flexibility Congress intended. This bill would make an additional 7.5 million students eligible for emergency financial aid by expanding eligibility beyond just those who have filled out a FAFSA and are eligible under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Additionally, it would allow institutions of higher education to use CARES Act funds to cover revenue losses incurred as a result of COVID-19, rather than limiting the funding to the U.S.…”