United States 115th Congress Status: Died 1 R cosponsors

HR 2976 — Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act of 2017

Last action — Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. Died in session

This bill died with 115th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act of 2017 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers to defer student loans while they are receiving cancer treatment and during the six months after treatment.

Bill Text

Sections of law this bill changes

5 sections in 1 law

From the bill's own amending language, matched to the official United States Code (current through Public Law 119-124).

Higher education resources and student assistance · 20 U.S.C. ch. 28 5 sections
  • § 1077 Eligibility of student borrowers and terms of federally insured student loans Amends

    20 U.S.C. § 1077 — at 1077(a)(2)(C)

    The law today

    (a) List of requirements Except as provided in section 1078–3 of this title, a loan by an eligible lender shall be insurable by the Secretary under the provisions of this part only if— (1) made to a student who (A) is an eligible student under section 1091 of this title, (B) has agreed to notify promptly the holder of the loan concerning any change of address, and (C) is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload for the course of study the student is pursuing (as determined by the institution); and (2) evidenced by a note or other written agreement which— (A) is made without security and without endorsement; (B) provides for repayment (except as provided in subsection (c)) of the principal amount of the loan in installments over a period of not less than 5 years (unless sooner repaid or unless the student, during the 6 months preceding the start of the repayment period, specifically requests that repayment be made over a shorter period) nor more than 10 years beginning 6 months after the month in which the student ceases to carry at an eligible institution at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload as determined by the institution, except— (i) as provided in subparagraph (C); (ii) that the note or other written instrument may contain such reasonable provisions relating to repayment in the event of default in the payment of interest or in the payment of the cost of insurance premiums, or other default by the borrower, as may be authorized by regulations of the Secretary in effect at the time the loan is made; and (iii) that the lender and the student, after the student ceases to carry at an eligible institution at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload as determined by the institution, may agree to a repayment schedule which begins earlier, or is of shorter duration, than required by this subparagraph, but in the event a borrower has requested and obtained a repayment period of less than 5 years, the borrower may at any time prior to the total repayment of the loan, have the repayment period extended so that the total repayment period is not less than 5 years; (C) provides that periodic installments of principal need not be paid, but interest shall accrue and be paid, during any period— (i) during which the borrower— (I) is pursuing at least a half-time course of study as determined by an eligible institution; or (II) is pursuing a course of study pursuant to a graduate fellowship program approved by the Secretary, or pursuant to a rehabilitation training program for individuals with disabilities approved by the Secretary,  except that no borrower shall be eligible for a deferment under this clause, or a loan made under this part (other than a loan made under section 1078–2 or 1078–3 of this title), while serving in a medical internship or residency program; (ii) not in excess of 3 years during which the borrower is seeking and unable to find full-time employment; (iii) not in excess of 3 years for any reason which the lender determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section 1085(o) of this title, has caused or will cause the borrower to have an economic hardship; or (iv) in which the borrower is receiving treatment for cancer and the 6 months after such period.1 and provides that any such period shall not be included in determining the 10-year period described in subparagraph (B); (D) provides for interest on the unpaid principal balance of the loan at a yearly rate, not exceeding the applicable maximum rate prescribed in section 1077a of this title, which interest shall be payable in installments over the period of the loan except that, if provided in the note or other written agreement, any interest payable by the student may be deferred until not later than the date upon which repayment of the first installment of principal falls due, in which case interest accrued during that period may be added on that date to the principal; (E) pro...

    6 other bills also change this section · Follow it → Official text at uscode.house.gov ↗

  • § 1078 Federal payments to reduce student interest costs Amends

    20 U.S.C. § 1078 — at 1078(b)(1)(M)

    The law today

    (a) Federal interest subsidies (1) Types of loans that qualify Each student who has received a loan for study at an eligible institution for which the first disbursement is made before July 1, 2010, and— (A) which is insured by the Secretary under this part; or (B) which is insured under a program of a State or of a nonprofit private institution or organization which was contracted for, and paid to the student, within the period specified in paragraph (5), and which— (i) in the case of a loan insured prior to July 1, 1967, was made by an eligible lender and is insured under a program which meets the requirements of subparagraph (E) of subsection (b)(1) and provides that repayment of such loan shall be in installments beginning not earlier than 60 days after the student ceases to pursue a course of study (as described in subparagraph (D) of subsection (b)(1)) at an eligible institution, or (ii) in the case of a loan insured after June 30, 1967, was made by an eligible lender and is insured under a program covered by an agreement made pursuant to subsection (b), shall be entitled to have paid on his or her behalf and for his or her account to the holder of the loan a portion of the interest on such loan under circumstances described in paragraph (2). (2) Additional requirements to receive subsidy (A) Each student qualifying for a portion of an interest payment under paragraph (1) shall— (i) have provided to the lender a statement from the eligible institution, at which the student has been accepted for enrollment, or at which the student is in attendance, which— (I) sets forth the loan amount for which the student shows financial need; and (II) sets forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of section 1078–7 of this title; (ii) meet the requirements of subparagraph (B); and (iii) have provided to the lender at the time of application for a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part, the student’s driver’s number, if any. (B) For the purpose of clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), a student shall qualify for a portion of an interest payment under paragraph (1) if the eligible institution has determined and documented the student’s amount of need for a loan based on the student’s estimated cost of attendance, estimated financial assistance, and, for the purpose of an interest payment pursuant to this section, student aid index (as determined under part F), subject to the provisions of subparagraph (D). (C) For the purpose of this paragraph— (i) a student’s cost of attendance shall be determined under section 1087ll of this title; (ii) a student’s estimated financial assistance means, for the period for which the loan is sought— (I) the amount of assistance such student will receive under subpart 1 of part A of this subchapter (as determined in accordance with section 1091(b) of this title), subpart 3 of part A of this subchapter, and parts C and E; plus (II) other scholarship, grant, or loan assistance, but excluding— (aa) any national service education award or post-service benefit under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.]; and (bb) any veterans’ education benefits as defined in section 1087vv(c) of this title; and (iii) the determination of need and of the amount of a loan by an eligible institution under subparagraph (B) with respect to a student shall be calculated in accordance with part F. (D) An eligible institution may not, in carrying out the provisions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, provide a statement which certifies the eligibility of any student to receive any loan under this part in excess of the maximum amount applicable to such loan. (E) For the purpose of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, any loan obtained by a student under section 1078–1 1 or 1078–8 of this title or a parent under section 1078–2 of this title or under any State-sponsored or private loan program f...

    32 other bills also change this section · Follow it → Official text at uscode.house.gov ↗

  • § 1078-8 Unsubsidized Stafford loans for middle-income borrowers Amends

    20 U.S.C. § 1078-8 — at 1078-8(e)(2)

    The law today

    (a) In general It is the purpose of this section to authorize insured loans under this part that are first disbursed before July 1, 2010, for borrowers who do not qualify for Federal interest subsidy payments under section 1078 of this title. Except as provided in this section, all terms and conditions for Federal Stafford loans established under section 1078 of this title shall apply to loans made pursuant to this section. (b) Eligible borrowers Prior to July 1, 2010, any student meeting the requirements for student eligibility under section 1091 of this title (including graduate and professional students as defined in regulations promulgated by the Secretary) shall be entitled to borrow an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan for which the first disbursement is made before such date if the eligible institution at which the student has been accepted for enrollment, or at which the student is in attendance, has— (1) determined and documented the student’s need for the loan based on the student’s estimated cost of attendance (as determined under section 1087ll of this title) and the student’s estimated financial assistance, including a loan which qualifies for interest subsidy payments under section 1078 of this title; and (2) provided the lender a statement— (A) certifying the eligibility of the student to receive a loan under this section and the amount of the loan for which such student is eligible, in accordance with subsection (c); and (B) setting forth a schedule for disbursement of the proceeds of the loan in installments, consistent with the requirements of section 1078–7 of this title. (c) Determination of amount of loan The determination of the amount of a loan by an eligible institution under subsection (b) shall be calculated by subtracting from the estimated cost of attendance at the eligible institution any estimated financial assistance reasonably available to such student. An eligible institution may not, in carrying out the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, provide a statement which certifies the eligibility of any student to receive any loan under this section in excess of the amount calculated under the preceding sentence. (d) Loan limits (1) In general Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the annual and aggregate limits for loans under this section shall be the same as those established under section 1078(b)(1) of this title, less any amount received by such student pursuant to the subsidized loan program established under section 1078 of this title. (2) Limits for graduate, professional, and independent postbaccalaureate students (A) Annual limits The maximum annual amount of loans under this section a graduate or professional student, or a student described in clause (ii), may borrow in any academic year (as defined in section 1088(a)(2) of this title) or its equivalent shall be the amount determined under paragraph (1), plus— (i) in the case of such a student who is a graduate or professional student attending an eligible institution, $12,000; and (ii) notwithstanding paragraph (4), in the case of an independent student, or a dependent student whose parents are unable to borrow under section 1078–2 of this title or the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program, who has obtained a baccalaureate degree and who is enrolled in coursework specified in paragraph (3)(B) or (4)(B) of section 1091(b) of this title— (I) $7,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a graduate or professional program; and (II) $7,000 for coursework necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or secondary school, except in cases where the Secretary determines that a higher amount is warranted in order to carry out the purpose of this part with respect to students engaged in specialized training requiring exceptionally high costs of education, but the annual insurable limit per student shall not be deemed to be exceeded by a line of ...

    11 other bills also change this section · Follow it → Official text at uscode.house.gov ↗

  • § 1087dd Terms of loans Amends

    20 U.S.C. § 1087dd — at 1087dd(c)(2)

    The law today

    (a) Terms and conditions (1) Loans from any student loan fund established pursuant to an agreement under section 1087cc of this title to any student by any institution shall, subject to such conditions, limitations, and requirements as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation, be made on such terms and conditions as the institution may determine. (2) (A) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the total of loans made to a student in any academic year or its equivalent by an institution of higher education from a loan fund established pursuant to an agreement under this part shall not exceed— (i) $5,500, in the case of a student who has not successfully completed a program of undergraduate education; or (ii) $8,000, in the case of a graduate or professional student (as defined in regulations issued by the Secretary). (B) Except as provided in paragraph (4), the aggregate unpaid principal amount for all loans made to a student by institutions of higher education from loan funds established pursuant to agreements under this part may not exceed— (i) $60,000, in the case of any graduate or professional student (as defined by regulations issued by the Secretary, and including any loans from such funds made to such person before such person became a graduate or professional student); (ii) $27,500, in the case of a student who has successfully completed 2 years of a program of education leading to a bachelor’s degree but who has not completed the work necessary for such a degree (determined under regulations issued by the Secretary), and including any loans from such funds made to such person before such person became such a student; and (iii) $11,000, in the case of any other student. (3) Regulations of the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be designed to prevent the impairment of the capital student loan funds to the maximum extent practicable and with a view toward the objective of enabling the student to complete his course of study. (4) In the case of a program of study abroad that is approved for credit by the home institution at which a student is enrolled and that has reasonable costs in excess of the home institution’s budget, the annual and aggregate loan limits for the student may exceed the amounts described in paragraphs (2)(A) and (2)(B) by 20 percent. (b) Demonstration of need and eligibility required (1) A loan from a student loan fund assisted under this part may be made only to a student who demonstrates financial need in accordance with part F of this subchapter, who meets the requirements of section 1091 of this title, and who provides the institution with the student’s drivers license number, if any, at the time of application for the loan. A student who is in default on a loan under this part shall not be eligible for an additional loan under this part unless such loan meets one of the conditions for exclusion under section 1087bb(g)(1)(E) of this title. (2) If the institution’s capital contribution under section 1087bb of this title is directly or indirectly based in part on the financial need demonstrated by students who are (A) attending the institution less than full time, or (B) independent students, then a reasonable portion of the loans made from the institution’s student loan fund containing the contribution shall be made available to such students. (c) Contents of loan agreement (1) Any agreement between an institution and a student for a loan from a student loan fund assisted under this part— (A) shall be evidenced by note or other written instrument which, except as provided in paragraph (2), provides for repayment of the principal amount of the loan, together with interest thereon, in equal installments (or, if the borrower so requests, in graduated periodic installments determined in accordance with such schedules as may be approved by the Secretary) payable quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly, at the option of the institution, over a period beginning nine months after the date on which the student...

    13 other bills also change this section · Follow it → Official text at uscode.house.gov ↗

  • § 1087e Terms and conditions of loans Amends

    20 U.S.C. § 1087e — at 1087e(f)

    The law today

    (a) In general (1) Parallel terms, conditions, benefits, and amounts Unless otherwise specified in this part, loans made to borrowers under this part shall have the same terms, conditions, and benefits, and be available in the same amounts, as loans made to borrowers, and first disbursed on June 30, 2010, under sections 1078, 1078–2, 1078–3, and 1078–8 of this title. (2) Designation of loans Loans made to borrowers under this part that, except as otherwise specified in this part, have the same terms, conditions, and benefits as loans made to borrowers under— (A) section 1078 of this title shall be known as “Federal Direct Stafford Loans”; (B) section 1078–2 of this title shall be known as “Federal Direct PLUS Loans”; (C) section 1078–3 of this title shall be known as “Federal Direct Consolidation Loans”; and (D) section 1078–8 of this title shall be known as “Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans”. (3) Termination of authority to make interest subsidized loans and Federal Direct PLUS loans to graduate and professional students (A) Termination of authority to make interest subsidized loans to graduate and professional students Subject to subparagraph (B), and notwithstanding any provision of this part or part B— (i) for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2012, a graduate or professional student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct Stafford loan under this part; and (ii) for any period of instruction beginning on July 1, 2012, and ending on June 30, 2026, the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans such a student may borrow in any academic year (as defined in section 1088(a)(2) of this title) or its equivalent shall be the maximum annual amount for such student determined under section 1078–8 of this title, plus an amount equal to the amount of Federal Direct Stafford loans the student would have received in the absence of this subparagraph. (B) Exception Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an individual enrolled in course work specified in paragraph (3)(B) or (4)(B) of section 1091(b) of this title. (C) Termination of authority to make Federal Direct PLUS loans to graduate and professional students Subject to paragraph (8) and notwithstanding any provision of this part or part B, for any period of instruction beginning on or after July 1, 2026, a graduate or professional student shall not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct PLUS Loan under this part. (4) Graduate and professional annual and aggregate limits for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans beginning July 1, 2026 (A) Annual limits beginning July 1, 2026 Subject to paragraphs (7)(A) and (8), beginning on July 1, 2026, the maximum annual amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans— (i) a graduate student, who is not a professional student, may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $20,500; and (ii) a professional student may borrow in any academic year or its equivalent shall be $50,000. (B) Aggregate limits Subject to paragraphs (6), (7)(A), and (8), beginning on July 1, 2026, the maximum aggregate amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans, in addition to the amount borrowed for undergraduate education, that— (i) a graduate student— (I) who is not (and has not been) a professional student, may borrow for programs of study described in subparagraph (C)(i) shall be $100,000; or (II) who is (or has been) a professional student, may borrow for programs of study described in subparagraph (C)(i) shall be an amount equal to— (aa) $200,000; minus (bb) the amount such student borrowed for programs of study described in subparagraph (C)(ii); and (ii) a professional student— (I) who is not (and has not been) a graduate student, may borrow for programs of study described in subparagraph (C)(ii) shall be $200,000; or (II) who is (or has been) a graduate student, may borrow for programs of study described in subparagraph (C)(ii) shall be an amount equal to— (aa) $200,000...

    314 other bills also change this section · Follow it → Official text at uscode.house.gov ↗

How this bill changes current law

9 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill allows for the deferment of federal student loans during a borrower's cancer treatment period, ensuring that no interest accrues during this time.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1087e(f)

    (3) Deferment for borrowers receiving cancer treatment.-- (A) Effect on principal and interest.--A borrower of a loan made under this part who meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) shall be eligible for a deferment, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid, and interest shall not accrue. (B) Eligibility.--A borrower of a loan made under this part shall be eligible for a deferment during-- (i) any period in which such borrower is receiving treatment for cancer; and (ii) the 6 months after such period. (C) Applicability.--This paragraph shall apply with respect to loans-- (i) made on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph; or (ii) in repayment on the date of the enactment of this paragraph.

    This addition allows borrowers undergoing cancer treatment to defer payment on their loans without accruing interest during treatment and for an additional six months.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1077(a)(2)(C)

    ; or → ;

    This amendment modifies the existing clause formatting in the law to allow for additional clauses to be added.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1077(a)(2)(C)

    (iv) in which the borrower is receiving treatment for cancer and the 6 months after such period.

    This clause specifies that loans can be deferred during cancer treatment and for six months following that treatment.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(1)(M)

    or (II); or → or (II);

    This amendment modifies the existing clause formatting to allow for additional clauses regarding deferment for cancer treatment.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(1)(M)

    (v) during which the borrower is receiving treatment for cancer and the 6 months after such period;

    The addition provides a deferment option for borrowers receiving cancer treatment.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1087dd(c)(2)

    ; or → ;

    This amendment modifies the existing clause formatting in the law for consistency with additional clauses.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1087dd(c)(2)

    (vi) during which the borrower is receiving treatment for cancer and the 6 months after such period;

    This clause allows deferment for borrowers in the Federal Perkins Loan program who are receiving cancer treatment.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1078-8(e)(2)

    Interest → Except as provided in subparagraph (C), interest

    This amendment clarifies that the interest provisions are subject to exceptions regarding deferment.

  • 20 U.S.C. 1078-8(e)(2)

    (C) Interest shall not accrue on a loan deferred under section 428(b)(1)(M)(v) or 427(a)(2)(C)(iv).

    This ensures that interest does not accrue on loans during deferment periods due to cancer treatment.

Action History

  1. Introduced in House

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 546 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

healthcare education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HR 2976 do?
Deferment for Active Cancer Treatment Act of 2017 This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow borrowers to defer student loans while they are receiving cancer treatment and during the six months after treatment.
Who sponsors HR 2976?
HR 2976 is sponsored by Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 2976?
This bill died with 115th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 2976?
Track HR 2976 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on HR 2976

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of HR 2976

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →