Congress Approves Supplemental Spending Bill Without More Money for Pell Grants

The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval on Tuesday to a war-spending bill that does not contain additional money for Pell Grants. The House was forced to strip $4.95-billion for Pell Grants from the legislation after Republican senators voiced concerns about the growing budget deficit. The money, which would have met growing demand for the grants while preserving the maximum award of $5,550, is now likely to be provided through the annual appropriations bills, reducing the funds available for other student-aid programs.