“Feehan will represent student veterans, active-duty service members pursuing higher education, and the organizations that advocate for them,” Combat Vets of America wrote in a press release.

“Matt represents exactly what CVA stands for: integrity, service, and a relentless commitment to improving the systems that affect those who served,” said CVA National Commander Brandon M. Barron. “His selection by the Department underscores both his credibility and the growing influence of a new generation of veteran leadership. We are proud to stand behind him as he advocates for accountability, access, and the educational rights our veterans have earned.”

Feehan and the AHEAD Committee’s work “will influence how educational institutions are held accountable and how student aid is delivered—making this one of the most consequential higher education negotiations in years,” CVA added.

The Department of Education appointed Feehan after he was nominated by the Veterans Education Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities, transparency, and fair treatment for student veterans, service members, and their families.

Feehan will assume his new role ahead of the Education Department’s upcoming negotiated rulemaking meeting. During this meeting, officials will discuss the implementation of changes to institutional and programmatic accountability measures. Topics include the potential loss of direct loan eligibility for certain programs with low earnings outcomes, increased financial value transparency, and gainful employment criteria.

Another key agenda item is the establishment of program eligibility requirements for a new transferable Workforce Pell Grant. This grant targets students enrolled in shorter programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks, which includes active-duty service members.

**Veterans Defended Our Homeland — Now They Need a Place to Sit in It**

The meeting will also feature discussions on the exclusion of Pell Grant assistance for students who receive grant or scholarship aid covering their entire cost of attendance, as well as for students with a student aid index exceeding twice the maximum Pell Grant award.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/3884124/trump-administration-launches-higher-education-rulemaking-body/