Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 890, the Student Loan Sunshine Act, including a provision co-authored by Rep. Henry Cuellar.  The Student Loan Sunshine Act aims to create more transparency in the relationship between private lenders and educational institutions. 

Rep. Cuellar co-authored Section Five of the Act with Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.).  The provision requires the Department of Education to place a link to studentaid.gov on its website.  It also requires the Department of Education to collect financial aid information from federal departments and agencies, and include this information in an enhanced financial aid search matrix. 

“At a time when students and their parents are finding it increasingly difficult to fund higher education, it is imperative that we make information on financial aid completely accessible to everyone who wants to pursue a college degree.  Every student deserves the opportunity to continue their education, and expanding access to financial aid will help them to achieve their goals,” said Cuellar.

The Student Loan Sunshine Act takes critical steps to guarantee loan options for students, gives students complete information regarding loan repayment, protects students from aggressive marketing practices, and helps ensure timely processing of loan applications.  A long-standing advocate for expanding education opportunities, Cuellar pursued similar measures while in the state legislature.  With a track record for making education a top priority in his work as a public servant, Cuellar commends the passing of the Student Loan Sunshine Act.  

“I was very committed to increasing educational opportunities when I worked in the state legislature and I am proud to continue this work on the federal level.  Making financial aid information readily available to students is a key step in making a college education a reality for every citizen,” said Cuellar.

For more information on financial aid opportunities in Texas, please visit www.collegefortexans.com or call the Texas Financial Aid Information Center (TFAIC) toll-free at 1-888-311-8881.


Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.
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