Affordable Higher Education That Unlocks Careers

In the modern day, our students need preparation to compete in the global job market. The reality for too many families is that the cost of higher education is simply too high, there’s not enough assistance, and some will never climb out of student loan debt. That’s yet another policy failure. Texas has the best talent in the world, whether you choose to go to college or seek out another path I want every opportunity to be available. Not every child desires to go to college and it’s vital that we have robust career and technical education (CTE) available. Luckily, vocational training, learning a skilled trade, and union apprenticeships are all options on the table and lead to lucrative careers. From manufacturing semi-conductor chips to solar panels, we do it all in my district. I want to expand educational opportunities across the state.

Senate Priorities

In the U.S. Senate my plan for higher education includes:

Taking another stab at student debt forgiveness for as many Texans as possible, even if we forgive only the interest that has accrued on these loans that will deliver meaningful relief for millions of Texans.
Expanding the Pell Grant to increase the amount of aid and the eligibility requirements.
Converting unsubsidized federal student loans into zero-interest loans.
Streamlining pathways for careers that have a workforce shortage in Texas.
Creating streamlined pathways and pipelines to train more Texans in high-demand jobs.
Providing incentives through student debt relief for Texans who opt to work in workforce shortage areas in their field.
Eliminating frivolous degree requirements for federal workers.
Federal grants for proven workforce development programs with incentives for those in underserved areas such as rural Texas.
Student financial aid for CTE and vocational training.
Grants to small and medium sized businesses that offer apprenticeships to help cover start up costs.
A tax refund for employers based on the number of employees who successfully completes an apprenticeship.
Increasing Department of Labor investments in registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships to scale and build pipelines. This will go a long way to address workforce shortages in key areas such as housing that have led to consumers facing higher costs.
Tie other federal incentives to require, where appropriate, the use of prevailing wages and union apprenticeships.
Setting a national standard for the rights of university faculty who are under attack from MAGA culture wars in Texas.
Passing federal legislation to enable the Texas Legislature to reimplement the Texas Dream Act that was unfairly struck down in court when Ken Paxton failed to represent the State of Texas in his capacity as the Attorney General.
Boosting the availability of mental health resources, including through telehealth, on college and university campuses.
Providing resources for college-based food pantries and short-term zero-interest loans for students who find themselves in a quick bind. Financial counseling will be required to ensure students understand what they’ll owe and when payment must be made.

My Work in the United States Congress

I have already filed and signed onto bills with my Congressional colleagues to begin addressing these issues, including the following ideas which I’ll work to get passed in the US Senate:

The Halting Education Loan Payments during Federal Employment Disruptions (HELP FEDs) Act pauses student loan payments for federal workers during government shutdowns
H.R. 2664 increases grant funding for HBCUs like Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern University, and St. Philip’s College
The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act requires colleges and universities to adopt clear anti-harassment policies that protect students
The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act requires the Department of Education to send information for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance to potentially eligible college students
The Student Food Security Act qualifies and automatically enrolls low-income full-time college students for SNAP benefits
The Expanding Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2025 and the Texture Positive Act to provide technical training for aspiring cybersecurity workers and cosmetologists respectively