Congress/legislation

It's still not clear who will emerge from a political game of musical chairs to replace Lamar Alexander as the top Republican on the Senate's education committee, but it could be Rand Paul.

The U.S. Senate education committee announced a bipartisan amendment that would permanently fund HBCUs and simplify the FAFSA. Its chances in the House are uncertain, and advocates disagree on whether an HEA authorization will follow.

Tennessee Republican ties funding for minority-serving institutions to larger package of higher ed bills. But few observers expect deal to come together.

The chairman of the Senate education committee, planning retirement in 2020, could step up efforts to pass a new higher ed law in the next Congress.

Prison education programs are thriving and enjoy bipartisan backing, but colleges say they could do more with federal and state funding.

Veterans’ organizations add their voices to the chorus of college groups opposing House Republicans’ overhaul of the Higher Education Act.

As Election Day nears, it's uncertain who would lead the Senate committee that would handle key higher education legislation -- including a "free college" proposal if Hillary Clinton is elected -- in the next Congress.

The Obama administration wants to bring back year-round Pell Grants and create a $300 bonus for Pell recipients who take at least 15 credits per semester.

In major policy speech, Arne Duncan says student debt is only part of higher education's problem, and calls for renewed policy push on student success and return on investment. 

Obama's plan lives on, with newly proposed federal legislation. But the real action is happening in states and cities, most notably with Oregon following Tennessee's lead with a statewide version.