Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today applauded the restoration of year-round eligibility for the Pell Grant program in the bipartisan budget deal to fund the government through September 30, 2017.

"For years, Senator Alexander and I have worked together to restore funding for year-round Pell Grants," Bennet said. "This common-sense policy will allow college students to continue their coursework during summer months, giving them flexibility to complete their degree more quickly while taking on less debt. This is a win for an estimated one million students around the country-especially at a time when higher education is more important than ever for their success in the 21st century economy."

"The bill restores year-round Pell grants, helping an estimated one million students take the opportunity to graduate sooner and with less debt, which is the most important news for college students from Congress so far this year," Alexander said. "I'm urging my colleagues to pass this legislation this week."

An estimated one million students will receive an average of $1,650 in additional Pell Grant funding as a result of this improvement.

In 2015, Bennet, Alexander, and a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the FAST Act to simplify the process of applying for and receiving federal financial aid, which included language authorizing the year-round use of Pell Grants. Last year, Bennet also sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging that, given a sufficient surplus, funds in the Pell Grant program be used to reinstate year-round eligibility for students.