The House of Representatives agreed Tuesday to extend the Higher Education Act through Dec. 31.

The act outlines student financial aid requirements and university regulations.

Congress has been examining it since Spring 2004, Provost Paul Gaston said. There also was a previous extension of the act for the beginning of this year.

Extensions like these are normal, said Pat Myers, director of government relations. Congress is also busy finding funds for Hurricane Katrina relief, which could be pushing back the process with the Higher Education Act.

– Rachel Abbey