Why Virginia Foxx could be the key to higher education policy in 2017 and beyond - Jarrett Carter, Education Dive

One name at the top of the perceived pecking order of higher education will be North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx (R). Last week, the Obama Administration granted new allowances for students to discharge loan debt levied by schools deemed as predatory institutions, while also making exceptions for former students at these schools to regain Pell Grant eligibility. “It possible that education committee leaders in the two chambers could move this process forward in 2017,” said Tom Harnisch, Director of State Relations and Policy Analysis for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. “There are a range of issues related to college affordability, accountability, student safety, and quality that will need to be negotiated in Congress. Therefore, it is important who chairs these committees and the balance of power in each chamber, as well as the presidential administration.” Most expect Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to retain his chairman’s seat on the Senate HELP Committee, and with the retirement of House Committee Chairman Rep. John Kline (R-MN), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) is the likely choice to replace him. Foxx is former president of Mayland Community College and the key sponsor of the 2013 Supporting Academic Freedom through Regulatory Relief Act. http://www.educationdive.com/news/why-virginia-foxx-could-be-the-key-to-higher-education-policy-in-2017-and-b/429796/