Fulbright Teacher’s Loan Forgiveness Act
Summary
The Fulbright Teacher's Loan Forgiveness Act aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It seeks to include participation in Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programs and Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Programs as qualifying public service for student loan forgiveness. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Beyer on August 15, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand the eligibility criteria for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This expansion would specifically include teachers who participate in Fulbright programs. Ultimately, this may incentivize more teachers to participate in these international exchange programs.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages participation in valuable international exchange programs for teachers.
- Provides financial relief to teachers who choose public service careers.
- May improve the quality of education through enhanced teacher development.
- Could strengthen international relationships through educational exchange.
- Simplifies the loan forgiveness process for eligible teachers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the overall cost of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Could potentially create a loophole for individuals seeking loan forgiveness without substantial public service.
- Might disproportionately benefit teachers in certain fields or geographic locations.
- May add complexity to the administration of the PSLF program.
- Could be perceived as unfair by other public service employees who do not qualify for similar benefits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve education and promote international cooperation, indirectly benefiting the nation. Specifically, the Preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or limitations outlined in the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).