It is past time we double the power of Pell grants and ensure this essential financial aid keeps up with inflation. This legislation would help expand access to Pell grants, lower student debt, strengthen our economy and workforce, and help deserving students reach their full potential.
Reed supports the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to double the Pell Grant maximum award to $15,000 over six years, index the award for inflation, make Pell mandatory funding to protect it from future cuts, expand eligibility to DREAMers, and restore lifetime eligibility to 18 semesters.
Occurrences
Evidence
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
GovInfo lists S. 4859 as introduced in the Senate on June 23, 2026, with Jack Reed as a cosponsor; the action was referral to the Senate HELP Committee.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
The introduced bill text sets a path to a $15,000 maximum Pell Grant by award year 2031-2032, indexes later awards to CPI, provides mandatory appropriations, adds Dreamer eligibility, and changes lifetime eligibility from 12 to 18 semesters.
Assessments
Reed cosponsored S. 4859, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026, during the same Senate term, and the bill text appears to match the promised Pell Grant changes. However, the official record shows only introduction and referral to the Senate HELP Committee as of the available August 2026 evidence, with no passage or enactment. Because the legislation remains pending rather than defeated or enacted, the promise is unresolved, with an effort badge for the concrete legislative attempt.