A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that recipients of Pell Grants be citizens or nationals of the United States.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
This bill, S. 5451, proposes an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965. If enacted, it would change the eligibility requirements for receiving Pell Grants. Specifically, it would require that any student receiving a Pell Grant must be a citizen or national of the United States.
This change would directly affect individuals seeking Pell Grants for higher education. Currently, Pell Grants are federal financial aid based on financial need to help students pay for college. Under this proposed bill, only U.S. citizens or nationals would be eligible to receive these grants.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 22, 2026, by Senator Jim Banks. It has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As of now, its status is "Introduced," meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process. Further action would involve committee review and potential votes in the Senate and then the House of Representatives.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does S. 5451 do?
- This bill, S. 5451, proposes an amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965. If enacted, it would change the eligibility requirements for receiving Pell Grants. Specifically, it would require that any student receiving a Pell Grant must be a citizen or national of the United States. This change would directly affect individuals seeking Pell Grants for higher education. Currently, Pell Grants are federal financial aid based on financial need to help students pay for college. Under this proposed bill, only U.S. citizens or nationals would be eligible to receive these grants. The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 22, 2026, by Senator Jim Banks. It has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As of now, its status is "Introduced," meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process. Further action would involve committee review and potential votes in the Senate and then the House of Representatives.
- Has S. 5451 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5451. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5451?
- S. 5451 was sponsored by Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN] (R-IN), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5451?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (22 Sep 2026).
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