PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Apr 23, 2024
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023
This bill revises the requirements for an accrediting agency to be recognized by the Department of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at an institution of higher education (IHE).
Specifically, an accrediting agency must confirm that its standards do not require, encourage, or coerce an IHE to (1) support, oppose, or commit to supporting or opposing specific partisan, political, or ideological viewpoints or beliefs or specific viewpoints or beliefs on social, cultural, or political issues; or (2) support or commit to supporting the disparate treatment of any individual or group on the basis of any protected class under federal civil rights law.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Additionally, an accrediting agency must confirm that its standards do not prohibit an IHE from having a religious mission. The accrediting agency may not prohibit the IHE from requiring an applicant, student, employee, or independent contractor to provide a statement of faith or adhere to a code of conduct.
The bill specifies that an IHE shall be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs if the IHE is in compliance with the standards of the accrediting agency that assesses the IHE in accordance with statute.
People & committees
Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] · R–UT
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 201 (Roll no. 433).
House roll call 433 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 201 (Roll no. 433).
House roll call 433 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 195 - 203 (Roll no. 432).
House roll call 432 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5495-5496)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3724, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Bonamici demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Ms. Bonamici moved to recommit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. (text: CR H5477)
The House adopted the amendments en gros as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3724.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 3.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ogles amendment No. 2.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Molinaro amendment No. 1.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3724.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1455 and Rule XVIII.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael Guest to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3724, H.R. 4790, H.R. 5179, H.R. 5339, H.R. 5717, H.R. 7909 and H.J. Res. 136. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3724 and H.R. 5717 under a structured rule and H.R. 4790, H.R. 5179, H.R. 5339, H.R. 7909, and H.J. Res. 136 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1455. (consideration: CR H5463-5477; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5471-5474)
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1455 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3724, H.R. 4790, H.R. 5179, H.R. 5339, H.R. 5717, H.R. 7909 and H.J. Res. 136. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3724 and H.R. 5717 under a structured rule and H.R. 4790, H.R. 5179, H.R. 5339, H.R. 7909, and H.J. Res. 136 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 386.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. H. Rept. 118-467.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. H. Rept. 118-467.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 14.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3724 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.3724 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.3724 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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