PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 6, 2018
Degrees Not Debt Act of 2018
This bill repeals the alternative minimum tax exemption and the increased estate and gift tax exemption provided in 2017, uses the tax revenue to increase need-based federal student aid provided to students of institutions of higher education (IHEs), eliminates Pell Grant funding for institutions of higher education in states that do not maintain their funding levels for IHEs, and requires IHEs to disclose performance indicators (e.g., graduation rates and employments outcomes).
People & committees
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] · D–NM
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
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.3018 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.3018 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.3018 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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