A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that educational programs classified as Theology and Religious Vocations or Philosophy and Religious Studies at educational institutions that qualify for the religious exemption under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are not subject to ineligibility for title IV assistance based on low earning outcomes.
Latest action (29 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, S. 5573, introduced by Senator James Lankford, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. Specifically, it proposes to prevent certain educational programs from losing access to federal student aid (Title IV assistance) due to low student earnings after graduation.
The programs affected would be those classified as Theology and Religious Vocations or Philosophy and Religious Studies at institutions that qualify for a religious exemption under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For these programs, the bill seeks to ensure that low earning outcomes do not automatically disqualify them from receiving Title IV aid.
S. 5573 is currently in the introduction phase of the legislative process. It was introduced on September 29, 2026, in the 119th Congress. As the full text of the bill has not yet been published, specific details regarding its implementation and the full scope of its provisions are not available. Following introduction, bills typically move to committees for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 29, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5573 do?
- This bill, S. 5573, introduced by Senator James Lankford, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. Specifically, it proposes to prevent certain educational programs from losing access to federal student aid (Title IV assistance) due to low student earnings after graduation. The programs affected would be those classified as Theology and Religious Vocations or Philosophy and Religious Studies at institutions that qualify for a religious exemption under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For these programs, the bill seeks to ensure that low earning outcomes do not automatically disqualify them from receiving Title IV aid. S. 5573 is currently in the introduction phase of the legislative process. It was introduced on September 29, 2026, in the 119th Congress. As the full text of the bill has not yet been published, specific details regarding its implementation and the full scope of its provisions are not available. Following introduction, bills typically move to committees for consideration.
- Has S. 5573 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Sep 2026, S. 5573 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5573?
- S. 5573 was sponsored by Sen. James Lankford [R-OK] (Republican-OK), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5573?
- Introduced (29 Sep 2026).
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