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Federal Legislation and Advocacy
Whether Congress is in session or not, AFT staff, with the help of members and leaders, are constantly advocating for federal legislation that protects students from fraud and abuse, promotes student access and success, and increases investment in our knowledge economy. Though states exert considerable control over higher education, the federal government also plays an important role, including shaping student aid policy, regulating accrediting bodies, and determining the budgets of agencies like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
Beyond the legislative branch AFT works with many federal agencies, most significantly the Department of Education but also including Treasury, Justice, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and directly with White House staff to promote quality higher education.
It is our goal to keep our members as informed as possible of federal legislation developments through this page. Please send articles or tips to highered@aft.org.