U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to repeal two excessive federal regulations affecting colleges and universities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2012
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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to repeal two excessive federal regulations affecting colleges and universities. The Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act received bipartisan support in a vote of 303 to 114.
Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who introduced the Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act last summer, applauded passage of the legislation.
“As we have seen many times before, onerous federal regulations always come with a price and that price is always paid by taxpayers - in this case, students and parents,” Rep. Foxx said. “It’s time to take a comprehensive view of the problems facing our nation’s higher education system and eliminate burdensome federal regulations that pile unnecessary costs on institutions and students. I’m pleased this legislation received the bipartisan support it deserves, and I urge swift Senate consideration of this important proposal.”
House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-MN) spoke in support of H.R. 2117 on the House floor, stating, “The legislation before us today is driven by a simple goal: to ensure Washington isn’t adding to the boondoggle of rising college costs by imposing burdensome regulations… Each year, the average higher education institution spends a significant amount of time and money complying with federal regulations and reporting requirements, costs that can trickle down to students’ tuitions and fees… H.R. 2117 will repeal two particularly problematic regulations, protecting academic institutions and prospective students from significant financial and bureaucratic burdens.”
The Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act has received support from numerous organizations representing higher education institutions and students, including:
