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 S1709)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 6, 2019
Strengthening American Communities Act of 2019
America's College Promise Act of 2019
This bill requires 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 S1709)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.686 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.
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