1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Congress must intervene immediately to reverse the Department of Education's April 30, 2026 decision restricting federal student loan access for students pursuing education degrees. This policy doesn't reduce costs—it just shifts the burden onto students already questioning whether they can afford to become teachers. The nation already faces persistent educator shortages. When students can't access financing, enrollment in education programs declines, and the pipeline of qualified teachers, school counselors, and principals shrinks. School systems across the country will suffer. The Department made this decision despite overwhelming public opposition from students, institutions, associations, and bipartisan lawmakers who all emphasized the critical need for sustained federal financial support for those entering high-need professions. Addressing the college affordability crisis is not separate from solving the educator shortage; it is central to it. I need you to establish a student loan eligibility policy that recognizes the essential role federal financial aid plays in sustaining the educator pipeline. Education requires rigorous preparation, just like health care and social work. Policies that restrict access to preparation programs limit opportunity, weaken our national workforce, and place our nation's learners at risk.