Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act
Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act (HR 66) Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would require certain federal government employees to publicly disclose how much student loan debt they owe each year. Specifically, it targets senior-level executive branch employees and those in policy-making positions. These employees would have to report details about federal student loans they've taken out, including how much principal and interest they owe. The Office of Government Ethics would then compile this information into an annual report to Congress showing the total debt owed by all covered employees and naming anyone who fails to disclose. **Who it affects and key details:** The bill primarily affects high-ranking federal employees—those in Senior Executive Service positions and policy-level roles (called Schedule C positions).
It only applies to federal student loans from three specific loan programs. The transparency requirement is meant to allow Congress to oversee how much student debt federal employees are carrying and identify compliance issues. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Andy Biggs (R-Arizona).
CRS Official Summary
Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency ActThis bill requires certain executive branch employees to disclose their federal student loan debt in an annual report.The bill's requirement applies to an employee serving in a Senior Executive Service position or a position of a confidential or policy-determining nature (i.e., a Schedule C position). Covered employees must file a report detailing the principal and interest owed on loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. The bill also requires the Office of Government Ethics to submit an annual report to Congress that contains (1) the total amount owed by all covered employees, and (2) the name of any covered employee who failed to report the required information.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.