PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2936-2937)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 24, 2018
Strengthening American Communities Act of 2018
America's College Promise Act of 2018
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Department of Education (ED) to establish programs that assist students in paying for the costs of higher education.
Specifically, ED must establish grants to assist students in paying for the costs of attending community colleges, historically black colleges and universities, minority serving institutions of higher education (IHEs), or nonprofit IHEs. This bill appropriates funds for such grants.
In addition, ED must establish grant programs to pay the costs of an undergraduate education for students who commit to working for at least three years in public service jobs upon graduation.
Finally, ED must cancel a certain percentage of the amount a borrower owes, based on the number of years of public service employment, on federal student loans made after this bill's enactment.
People & committees
Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] · D–MD
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2936-2937)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.2984 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 S.2984 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 S.2984 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.
Examine S.2984 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.