As this anniversary issue of "Change" goes to press, Congress should be considering reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. It was up for renewal in 2014. But meaningful action before the November 2018 elections seems unlikely. What was once routine housekeeping with broad bipartisan support has in the past 15 years become another of Washington's polarizing struggles. That's regrettable--and risky. Special interests, divisive issues peripheral to higher education, and opposing dogmas have come to dominate what should be a thoughtful discussion leading to informed consensus. Important issues such as quality assurance, the costs of a degree, and the protection of higher education as a public good receive short shrift while partisan pitches echo in the Capitol arcades. In the meantime, the HEA, with its critical focus on the "three A's" (access, affordability, accountability), remains on life support provided by short-term legislation.