Federal · 119th Congress
No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
Policy areaEducation
Summary
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.)
Sponsor
Cosponsors4
Floor votes
Other titles2
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud.Official Title as IntroducedOfficial Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text
No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026Short Title(s) as IntroducedShort Title(s) as Reported to HouseShort Title(s) as Passed HouseShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
Legislative history17
Jun 11, 2026
SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Jun 10, 2026
House · FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jun 10, 2026
House · Floor
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 249 - 172 (Roll no. 217).Roll Call 217249–172
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Jun 10, 2026
House · FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4076-4077)
Jun 9, 2026
House · AmendmentAmendment in the nature of a substitute reported by the House Committee on Rules.
Jun 9, 2026
House · FloorPOSTPONED 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, 2026
House · FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Jun 9, 2026
House · FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7892.
Jun 9, 2026
House · FloorRule 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, 2026
House · FloorConsidered 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, 2026
House · FloorRules 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, 2026
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 583.
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Documents5
Texts
As referred to a Senate committeeLatestReferred in SenateU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJun 11, 2026As passed by the HouseEngrossed in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJun 10, 2026As reported by the House committeeReported in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMay 26, 2026As introduced in the HouseIntroduced in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeMar 12, 2026