Bicameral Legislation Introduced to Double Pell Grant and Make College More Affordable

U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Robert C. 'Bobby' Scott (D-VA), along with Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), have introduced the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026. This bicameral legislation aims to nearly double the maximum Pell Grant award from $7,395 to $15,000 over six years, index it for inflation, and transition the program to fully mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts. The bill also seeks to expand eligibility to include DREAMers and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters.