TICAS’ 2026 Federal Policy Agenda advises members of the 119th Congress how to make it possible for any student—regardless of their financial circumstances—to earn a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential without taking on burdensome debt. 

Today, TICAS joined more than 100 organizations to urge members of Congress to shore up funding for the Pell Grant program to close a looming funding shortfall and protect millions of students from eligibility cuts. 

By unlocking the reconciliation process, the Republican majority can move their budget priorities through on a partisan basis, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold. But the implications for college students and student loan borrowers are clear: The cuts needed to fund priorities in either bill cannot be reconciled with the needs of students and student loan borrowers.