U.S. House Majority Leader Boehner (R-Ohio) praised the House bill to reauthorize the higher education act as opening the door of opportunity for low-income college bound students. Opponents said the bill failed the opportunity to restore cuts in student aid that will make it harder for low-income students to afford a college education.

Advocates for homeless youth pointed to one bright light--the Biggert amendment to allow unaccompanied homeless youth to be considered independent students was accepted by a voice vote. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires most students to provide financial information from their parents or guardians in order to determine student eligibility for aid; the application also requires a parental/guardian signature. While these requirements are logical for most applicants, they create insurmountable barriers for unaccompanied homeless youth, who do not receive financial support from their parents and do not have access to parental information.

A House-Senate conference committee will meet to work out the differences between the House and Senate bills. It is unknown at this time when the conference committee will begin to meet.