Washington, May 1 -- Rep. Jen Kiggans issued the following press release:
Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed concern following the Department of Education's release of its final rule defining which healthcare professions qualify as "professional degrees." The rule, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, excludes post-baccalaureate nursing programs from this designation. As a result, individuals pursuing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees will face lower federal borrowing limits for student loans, creating additional barriers to entering the profession. The final rule comes after more than six months of sustained, bipartisan, and bicameral advocacy led by Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley, who repeatedly raised concern...