The House has passed a sweeping reconciliation bill that threatens to upend college access, affordability, and student support.
Now under Senate consideration, the bill would impose deep cuts to student aid, new taxes on higher education, and harmful Medicaid rollbacks that could devastate students and institutions alike.
Budget reconciliation is a fast-track legislative process originally intended for adjusting federal spending and revenues. But in recent years, it has become a tool for pushing through major—and often deeply partisan—policy shifts. Unlike most legislation, reconciliation bills can pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold normally required to overcome a filibuster.
The current bill is central to President Trump’s push to shrink the federal role in education, privatize public services, and shift costs to students and families—prioritizing tax cuts and political ideology over college access and long-term economic competitiveness. Higher education leaders, students, and advocates must speak out now. The stakes are high—not just for campuses, but for the future of an educated workforce and an equitable society.
This toolkit offers a few simple ways you can take action:
LEARN THE ISSUES
Review the key facts, talking points, and context.
CONTACT CONGRESS
Urge your lawmakers to support policies that protect access, innovation, and student success.
SPREAD THE WORD
Use your platform to raise awareness through social media and campus networks.