Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7892, the so-called No Aid for Ghost Students Act. Let me say at the outset that protecting taxpayer dollars and preventing fraud in our student Federal aid program is always a good idea. As stewards of public funds, we should all agree that fraud should be identified, investigated, and stopped, but this bill is not about a thoughtful, evidence-based solution as its supporters claim.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+40D shift +5$291K raised
Bobby Scott
Representative · Virginia · Democrat
Bobby Scott
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
It says, in part: ``While the goal is to ensure that limited financial aid resources are distributed appropriately, verification creates a real tension: trying to safeguard public taxpayer dollars without introducing delays, confusion, or additional barriers that disproportionately impact the students who can least afford them, and potentially pushing them out of the educational pipeline.'' Mr.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter in opposition to the bill from the American Federation of Teachers. AFT, June 3, 2026. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: I write on behalf of the AFT's 1.8 million members working in education, healthcare and public services. Our members decry fraud; we fight for federal funding for the work we do, and none of us wants that funding diverted for corrupt or fraudulent purposes.
Biography
Bobby Scott began his career as a civil rights attorney, advocating for social and economic justice in his community. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia’s 3rd District in 1992, he has focused on criminal justice reform, education equity, and workers’ rights. Scott authored the Youth PROMISE Act to prevent juvenile crime and currently chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, shaping national policy on schools and labor standards. He is known for his meticulous approach to legislation and commitment to serving his constituents with transparency and diligence.
Education
- B.A., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- J.D., Boston College Law School, Newton Centre, MA
Professional History
U.S. Representative
1993–PresentRepresented Virginia's 3rd congressional district for 17 terms.
Member, Senate of Virginia
1982–1993Served as a Democratic state senator following election to the Virginia Senate in 1982.
Member, Virginia House of Delegates
1978–1982Served as a Democratic state delegate after winning election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1977.
Private Practice Lawyer, Newport News
1973–1991Worked as an attorney in private legal practice in Newport News, Virginia.
Member, U.S. Army Reserve
1974–1976Served in the United States Army Reserve following prior National Guard service.
Member, Massachusetts Army National Guard
1970–1973Served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard while in his early legal and educational years.
Policy Focus
Labor and Employment32%
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues11%
Education11%
Families5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Bobby Scott's record in Congress.
Criminal Justice Reform
Co-authored the First Step Act, which enacted significant sentencing and prison reforms.
Education Funding
Championed the Every Student Succeeds Act to replace No Child Left Behind and increase local control in education.
Workforce Development
Led efforts to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, improving job training and employment services.
Juvenile Justice
Sponsored the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018, enhancing protections and rehabilitation for youth in the justice system.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Education and WorkforceRanking Member
- House Committee on the Budget
Rep. Bobby Scott FAQ
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