S. 1866, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the House will consider S. 1866, the Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules. S. 1866 was introduced on September 26, 2017, by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and passed the Senate by the Unanimous Consent on September 26, 2017.

Summary

S. 1866 addresses the education impact Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have had on affected populations. Specifically, the legislation provides the Secretary of Education with the authority to waive Federal matching requirements for two campus-based aid programs under the Higher Education Act, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program and the Federal Work-Study Program.  In addition, the bill requires the Secretary to reallocate any remaining supplemental educational opportunity grant or Federal work study funds from FY 16 and FY 17 to colleges and universities located in hurricane-impacted areas.

Further, the legislation restores equitable distribution to all schools in the Project School Emergency Response to Violence Program, a grant program to assist schools recovering from a crisis and used for mental health assessments, emergency transportation needs, and increased costs for teacher overtime.[1]

This legislation is necessary to ensure funding remains available given the current fiscal year ends September 30, 2017.

BACKGROUND

In response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, President issued a major disaster declaration for Texas, an emergency declaration for Louisiana, and major disaster declarations for Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The majority of federal aid for disaster management is made available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster and Emergency Assistance Act. Public, charter, and private nonprofit schools, as well as public institutions of higher education (IHE) and federally recognized Indiana tribal governments are eligible to receive disaster assistance. In addition, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act grants the Secretary of Education the authority to issue waivers of and statutory or regulatory requirement and the Individuals with Disabilities Act grants the Secretary the authority to waive maintenance of efforts requirements. Under the Higher Education Act, the Secretary has the authority to waive requirements for aid recipients, IHEs, and financial institutions.[2]

In response to previous hurricanes and natural disasters, Congress enacted legislation that provided short-term programs and temporary allowances for educational institutions.  Additional funds were appropriated to help affected institutions restart, replaced equipment, or renovate as well as to recruit, retain, and compensate staff. Also, Congress previously allowed the Secretary to waive or modify statutory and regulatory requirements of some programs on a temporary basis to ensure funds were targeted to affected populations.[3]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates enacting the legislation will result in a $15 million increase in direct spending however, no new funds are expended because fund are not recalled.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.