Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program".

On April 9, 2026, H.J. Res. 155, a joint resolution "Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to 'William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program'," was introduced in the House of Representatives. The resolution was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on the same day. This marks the initial legislative step for the resolution. The bill's text explicitly states that "Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to 'William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program' (90 Fed. Reg. 48966 (October 31, 2025)), and such rule shall have no force or effect." This resolution, if passed, would nullify a specific rule from the Department of Education regarding federal direct student loans. As a disapproval resolution, it does not involve direct funding or appropriations; its impact is regulatory, aiming to reverse an existing or proposed administrative rule. The specific financial implications for loan servicers or educational institutions would depend on the details of the Department of Education rule it seeks to disapprove, which are not provided in the bill text. Structural winners and losers are not directly identifiable without knowing the specifics of the Department of Education rule being targeted. However, entities involved in student loan servicing or those whose business models are affected by federal student loan program regulations could see an impact if this resolution progresses. The resolution is sponsored by Rep. Courtney (D-CT-2) and has 56 cosponsors, indicating a degree of support within the House. However, its early stage of referral to committee means significant legislative hurdles remain. The next legislative steps for H.J. Res. 155 involve consideration by the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The committee may hold hearings, mark up the bill, and decide whether to report it to the full House for a vote. Given its early stage and the nature of a disapproval resolution, the timeline for potential passage is uncertain and depends on committee action and broader legislative priorities.