"Recipients of student financial assistance who are now involved in the war effort must not be placed in a worse position financially because they have been deployed," said Saxton. "We must ease the burden on such students and avoid inadvertent, technical violations or defaults."

The bill, which passed 412-1, also calls for educational institutions to provide a full refund to students who are unable to complete courses because they are called up for active duty or active service.

This week Secretary of Education Rod Paige praised this plan to extend the "Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2001—  also known as HEROS Act.

This bill was originally made law following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It gave Secretary Paige temporary authority to extend relief to students and borrowers called up for military duty in response to that national emergency.

The bill extends the authority of the HEROS Act beyond Sept. 30, 2003. It provides the Secretary of Education with specific waiver authority to respond to a war or other military operation or national emergency.

Educational institutions should make every effort to provide the greatest flexibility possible with course withdrawals, administrative deadlines, fees and the like.

I'm pleased the House has acted to ensure that we are able to provide extra support and relief to the members of the Armed Services who are defending freedom not just in Iraq, but all around the world," Saxton said.