Today, the House of Representatives approved the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which will now go to President Biden for his signature. The president is expected to formally sign the bill later this week.  The legislation includes nearly $40 billion for higher education.
 
The following is a statement from NAICU President Barbara Mistick, D.M.
 
“Today marks another important milestone in our nation’s efforts to overcome the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  All Americans and all sectors of the American economy have been affected by this crisis. 
 
“The approval of this legislation in the House of Representatives, which includes $40 billion for higher education, brings much needed relief to college students and their families.  It also provides important resources to colleges and universities to help those institutions to remain open, safely and effectively educate their students, and ensure the health and safety of their campus communities.
 
“On behalf of the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, we are appreciative to have been included in the American Rescue Plan, as well as the two previous relief packages passed last year.  However, while this support is significant, it does not signal the end of the crisis nor does it cover the $183 billion in losses the Association of Governing Boards reports the higher education sector has suffered as a result of the pandemic.
 
“Colleges and universities have been – and will continue – playing a leading role in helping their communities overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.  We look forward to our continued work with both parties in Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure that we emerge from this crisis as strong and vibrant as ever.”