Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on reports that the Senate Appropriations Committee will include a measure to restore year-round eligibility for Pell Grant recipients in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill.

"At a time when higher education is more important for success in the 21st century economy than ever before, we should remove barriers to attend, afford, and complete college. For many students, attending classes year round would allow them to complete their degree quicker while taking on less debt. Unfortunately, many students aren't currently able to apply Pell Grants to classes during the summer term. Year-round Pell Grants would offer students more flexibility to complete their education sooner and increase graduation rates."

Earlier this year, Bennet sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging that if the surplus is sufficient, it use funds in the Pell Grant program to reinstate year-round eligibility for students who wish to continue their coursework during the summer months. Bennet's bipartisan FAST Act also includes a provision to restore year-round eligibility to allow students to study at their own pace.