More than 60 higher education organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders warning of a multi‑billion dollar shortfall in the Pell Grant program for fiscal 2026 and subsequent years. The groups urged quick legislative action to avoid cuts that could shrink aid for low‑income students and disrupt campus budgets. Signers argued that a delay or failure to shore up Pell funding would harm enrollment and degree completion among the most vulnerable students and would force institutions to choose between tuition increases and program cuts. The coalition made clear the clock is short for lawmakers to craft a stopgap or supplemental appropriation.