No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary reported to house (May 26, 2026)
No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an identity fraud detection system for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Beginning on October 1, 2026, ED must use an identity fraud detection system to review each submitted application to determine whether the applicant presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud. If ED makes such a determination, it must notify the applicant and each institution of higher education (IHE) designated on the application that the applicant is subject to additional identity verification.
An IHE may not disburse federal financial aid to an applicant that presents a reasonable suspicion of fraud unless the IHE verifies the applicant's identity in person or by live video. If the applicant's identity is confirmed, the IHE must notify ED that the applicant's identity has been verified.
ED must establish guidelines for the identity verification procedures conducted by IHEs.
(On April 26, 2026, ED began implementing a real-time identity fraud detection process within the FAFSA form that places applicants into one of four risk categories. High-risk applicants must confirm their identity by presenting documentation during the online application process, including via a live camera process. Applicants who are rejected via this automated process must then have their identity verified in person by IHEs.)
What just happenedJun 11, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateJun 11, 2026
- Engrossed in HouseJun 10, 2026
- Reported in HouseMay 26, 2026
- Introduced in HouseMar 12, 2026
- Jun 11, 2026IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee - Jun 10, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jun 10, 2026FloorH37100
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 249 - 172 (Roll no. 217).
- Jun 10, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 249 - 172 (Roll no. 217).
- Jun 10, 2026FloorH30000
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4076-4077)
- Jun 9, 2026FloorH8D000
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 7892, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Scott (VA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- Jun 9, 2026FloorH35000
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Jun 9, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7892.
- Jun 9, 2026FloorH8D000
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8646, H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892 and H.R. 8872. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8646 under a structured rule and H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892, and H.R. 8872 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate on each bill. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on each bill.
- Jun 9, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1333. (consideration: CR H4037-4044; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4037-4038)
- Jun 3, 2026FloorH1L210
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1333 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8646, H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892 and H.R. 8872. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8646 under a structured rule and H.R. 7726, H.R. 7892, and H.R. 8872 under a closed rule, with one hour of general debate on each bill. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on each bill.
- May 26, 2026CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 583.
- May 26, 2026CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-669.
Education and Workforce Committee - May 26, 2026Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-669.
Education and Workforce Committee - Mar 17, 2026Committee
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 3.
Education and Workforce Committee - Mar 17, 2026Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Education and Workforce Committee - Mar 12, 2026IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Education and Workforce Committee - Mar 12, 2026IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Mar 12, 2026IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House