August 8, 2008

A Bill That Took Longer Than a Bachelor's Degree

Higher Education Act, 5 years in the making, gets closer to the president's desk

By Kelly Field

Washington

It took five years, dozens of drafts, and a total of 14 extensions, but Congress last week was finally on the verge of passing a bill to renew the Higher Education Act, the major law governing federal student aid.

The bill, after approval by the U.S. House of Representatives, was headed to the Senate, where a final vote was planned for late last week. The measure was expected to pass and then go to President Bush for his signature.

Mr. Bush is expected to sign the long-overdue