Bill

H.R. 7892 (119th): No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 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.)

house · Substantive

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Official source

Summary

Recorded summary

The bill requires the Department of Education to establish an identity fraud detection system for the FAFSA. Beginning October 1, 2026, ED must screen each submitted application for reasonable suspicion of identity fraud. If suspicion is found, ED must notify the applicant and each designated institution of higher education (IHE). An IHE may not disburse federal student aid to a flagged applicant unless it verifies the applicant's identity in person or by live video, and must notify ED once verification is confirmed. ED must set the verification guidelines. The summary also states that ED began a real-time fraud detection process on April 26, 2026, that sorts applicants into four risk categories, and that high-risk applicants must confirm identity through documents, including a live camera process, with rejected applicants verified in person.

appropriationseducationfederal_fundingfraud_preventionidentity_fraudprogram_integritystudent_aid

Theological note: Scripture affirms honest stewardship and the just use of public resources, and it condemns fraud and deceit in dealings (Proverbs 11:1; Leviticus 19:11). Protecting public funds from theft is a legitimate concern under general equity. Issues of relevance include the burden placed on ordinary applicants, the proportionality of automated suspicion, and whether intrusive live-camera or in-person verification is limited to what fraud prevention requires.

Scoring

How this bill is scored

Debt and war Cloture and Tier 1 Procedural votes Scoring mechanics

Roll

Recorded votes

Roll 217 · 10-Jun-2026 4:09 PM · On Passage · Passed

Yea 249 · Nay 172 · Other 10

Yea

Nay

Other

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