Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing House passage of the Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act, H.R. 6472, a bipartisan bill she co-led, and a policy she has worked on persistently for several Congresses, to guarantee in-state tuition rates for students from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
The three Members of Congress from the US territories in the Pacific
This bill, a collaborative effort by the territories’ Representatives, passed the House on Wednesday following debate and a recorded vote of 351-72, and requires Senate passage to become law. This marks a historic milestone in the effort to expand affordable higher education access for territory students pursuing degrees on the mainland, with the support of House Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI).
“Thank you to Chairman Walberg, my colleagues Representatives Moylan, King-Hinds, Plaskett, and Hernández Rivera, along with special appreciation to former Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, as this is a longtime shared priority that we worked on together in prior Congresses,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.
Congresswoman Amata continued, “This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year University degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. With strong bipartisan passage this week by the full House, we’re a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity in the lives of our students.”
The legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions receiving federal funds to charge eligible territorial residents no more than the in-state tuition rate. Since out-of-state tuition can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, causing a significant deterrent for families who already face higher costs of living, limited degree options in the islands, and the added burden of long-distance relocation.
The bill would ease the financial burden and open options to many universities around the country.
“The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories,” Congressman Moylan said. “Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply aren’t available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families. This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. It’s about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guam’s growth.”
“Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need,” said Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
Congresswoman Amata and Congresswoman Plaskett
“Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories. Since my first term in office, I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Today, the House has spoken clearly: our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states. Guaranteeing in-state tuition is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economies. I am proud to have fought alongside my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly so that we can deliver this long-overdue relief to territorial students and families.”
The bill, introduced with all five territory representatives from the start, is sponsored by Rep. James Moylan, and original cosponsors Reps. Aumua Amata, American Samoa; Kimberlyn King-Hinds, CNMI; Stacey Plaskett, USVI; and Pablo Hernández Rivera, Puerto Rico.
###