U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
SB5559: BASIC Act of 2026
Status: In committee, September 24, 2026
A bill to provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education.
What the bill says
To provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education.
From the introduced text, September 24, 2026:
A BILL To provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Basic Assistance for Students In College Act of 2026 or the BASIC Act of 2026 . SECTION 2. Grants to support the basic needs of students Title VIII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1161a et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: BB Grants to support the basic needs of students SECTION 899. Grants to support the basic needs of students (a) Definitions In this (B) safe, secure, and adequate housing (including to sleep, to study, to cook, and to shower); (C) health care to promote sustained mental and physical well-being; (D) high-quality and affordable childcare; (E) affordable technology and internet access; (F) accessible transportation; (G) personal hygiene and clothing; and (H) other costs described in paragraphs (2) through (14) of section 472(a). (2) Community college (A) In general The term community college means-- (i) a public institution of higher education at which-- (I) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or (II) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree, including a 2-year Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316); (ii) a public postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in section …
Sponsors
- Padilla, Alex (D, SD-CA) · primary sponsor
- Warren, Elizabeth (D)
- Blumenthal, Richard (D)
- Booker, Cory (D)
- Hirono, Mazie (D)
- Van Hollen, Chris (D)
- Schiff, Adam B. (D)
- Lujan, Ben Ray (D)
Latest actions
- : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5004)
- : Introduced in Senate
Subjects: Education
Common questions
- What is SB5559?
- SB5559 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): BASIC Act of 2026.
- What does SB5559 do?
- In its own words: To provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education.
- What is the status of SB5559?
- In committee as of September 24, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5004) (September 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5559?
- Padilla, Alex (D, SD-CA), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5559?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5559
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.