Rep. Ritchie Torres Introduces the Professional Degree Access Restoration Act: Bill Would Restore Federal Loan Access for Graduate and Professional Students

Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) today introduced the Professional Degree Access Restoration Act, new legislation to reverse recent reductions in federal loan availability for graduate and professional students. The bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to restore the full loan limits that were narrowed under Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” ensuring students pursuing advanced degrees can access the financial support they need.

The introduction of this bill follows a letter Rep. Torres sent yesterday to the Department of Education urging immediate administrative action to protect graduate students’ access to federal loans. In the letter, Rep. Torres called on the Department to use its existing authority to prevent students from being pushed toward higher-cost private lenders while Congress works to advance a legislative fix. Today’s bill provides that long-term solution by reinstating the full federal loan limits that were in place before the recent cuts.

The legislation would reinstate previous annual and aggregate borrowing levels for Federal Direct Loans for graduate and professional students. These changes are intended to ensure that students in fields such as medicine, law, social work, engineering, education, and public health are not forced to rely on higher-cost private loans or abandon their studies because of reduced federal support.

Graduate and professional students represent some of the most financially burdened borrowers, facing rising tuition costs and limited financial aid. Cuts to federal loan limits have placed many students at risk of delayed graduation or increased private debt. By restoring access to federal loans, the bill aims to keep advanced degrees affordable and protect students from predatory lending practices.

“Graduate and professional students deserve a fair chance to pursue their careers without being priced out by sudden reductions in federal aid,” said Rep. Torres. “Investing in advanced education strengthens our workforce, our economy, and the future of fields that communities rely on. This bill would restore a critical tool for students striving to serve in high-demand professions.”

The full text of the bill is attached as a PDF here.