Professional Degree Access Restoration Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4039
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-05T12:18:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Professional Degree Access Restoration Act (S. 4039)
Purpose
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reverse reductions in Federal student loan availability for graduate and professional students that were enacted under Public Law 119-21.
Key Provisions
- Establishes the short title as the "Professional Degree Access Restoration Act."
- Amends Section 455(a) of the Higher Education Act by:
- Removing references to Federal Direct PLUS loans from the paragraph heading and structure.
- Striking language that limited loan eligibility for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012, and for the period ending June 30, 2026.
- Eliminating subparagraph (C) entirely.
- Striking paragraph (4) on loan limits and redesignating subsequent paragraphs.
- Makes technical and conforming changes to update internal references after the redesignation, including adjustments to language about which paragraphs apply or do not apply.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The legislation reverses prior reductions to annual and aggregate loan limits for graduate and professional students by restoring the broader eligibility framework that existed before the changes in Public Law 119-21 took effect after June 30, 2026. It eliminates specific date-based restrictions and related subparagraphs that had narrowed loan access.
Potential Impacts
- Increases Federal loan access for graduate and professional students, potentially affecting borrowing levels and repayment obligations administered by the Department of Education.
- May influence institutional aid policies at colleges and universities offering graduate programs.
- Could have fiscal effects on Federal student loan programs, with possible implications for program costs and borrower outcomes.
- No direct effects noted on international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Graduate and professional students seeking Federal loans.
- Institutions of higher education with graduate and professional degree programs.
- The Department of Education, responsible for loan administration.
- Members of Congress involved in higher education policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates under Congress's authority to amend Federal education spending programs and does not introduce new constitutional questions beyond standard legislative changes to existing statutes. It reflects ongoing policy debates regarding access to Federal student aid for advanced degrees.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Cosponsors (17)
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-03-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Professional Degree Access Restoration Act — issued 2026-03-10 — PDF (3 pages)