In 2023, Rep. Eli Crane voted against a resolution to block President Biden's student debt relief program, a stance rated as "wrong" by the AFL-CIO AFL-CIO scorecard.
Crane faced criticism in 2025 for failing to act in support of federal education funding, with constituents expressing concern over inaction on behalf of students during funding cuts KNAU.
In November 2023, Crane strongly opposed the Department of Education's multi-million dollar fine against Grand Canyon University (GCU), arguing it constituted government overreach and violated religious freedom Arizona Daily Star, Arizona Republic.
Crane led a joint letter with other Arizona House Republicans urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to immediately rescind the GCU fine, highlighting what they viewed as Department of Education overreach and infringements on religious freedom Arizona Republic.
Potential vulnerability: Crane's actions and rhetoric around the GCU fine and education funding have drawn criticism from both constituents and labor organizations, exposing him to charges of governmental inaction and prioritization of specific institutional interests over broader student needs KNAU, AFL-CIO scorecard.
2023: Crane Voted Against Resolution To Block Biden's Student Debt Relief Program According to AFL-CIO, "Congressional Review Act resolution to block the Department of Education rule... aimed at overturning President Biden's student debt relief program... [Crane] Wrong" [AFL-CIO scorecard, 9/30/23]
2025: Crane Was Criticized For Inaction On Education Funding According to KNAU, "'Those federal dollars were critical to our students so, yeah, add that to the list of the many things that appall me about Eli Crane. Why didn't he stand up for our students?' Flaccus says. 'I would really love to hear his explanation for his inaction on our behalf.'" [KNAU, 3/25/25]
November 2023: Rep. Eli Crane Criticized Department Of Education Fine Against GCU According to Arizona Daily Star, "Rep. Eli Crane and other House Republicans from Arizona are criticizing the U.S. Department of Education over the large fine for Grand Canyon University, saying it violates religious freedom." [Arizona Daily Star, 11/12/23]
November 2023: Eli Crane Wrote Letter To Education Secretary Miguel Cardona On GCU Fine According to Arizona Daily Star, "Crane, R-Ariz., wrote a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressing concerns about the education department's actions." [Arizona Daily Star, 11/12/23]
November 2023: Eli Crane Alleged Department Of Education Overreach In GCU Fine According to Arizona Daily Star, "Your Department has not made a compelling case to institute a multi-million dollar fine ... and is overreach at best," Crane wrote. [Arizona Daily Star, 11/12/23]
November 2023: Eli Crane Called For Rescinding The Fine Against GCU According to Arizona Daily Star, "The Arizona members of Congress called on the department and Cardona to 'immediately rescind this fine,' and said that they hope that the department will 'engage in a more transparent effort to protect religious freedom in the future.'" [Arizona Daily Star, 11/12/23]
November 2023: Crane Called On Department Of Education To Rescind Fine Against GCU According to Arizona Republic, "Last week, U.S. Rep. Eli Crane wrote a letter to the Department of Education calling on federal regulators to 'immediately rescind this fine.' The letter echoed GCU's claims of mistreatment by the agency and accused the regulators of stepping on religious freedom." [Arizona Republic, 11/17/23]
November 2023: Crane Accused Department Of Education Of Overreach And Undermining Religious Freedom According to Arizona Republic, "'Your Department has been keen to repeal robust protections for religious freedom within your jurisdiction,' Crane wrote. 'Your Department has not made a compelling case to institute a multi-million dollar fine ... and is overreach at best.'" [Arizona Republic, 11/17/23]
November 2023: Crane Organized Support From Other Arizona House Republicans On GCU Fine Issue According to Arizona Republic, "It was also signed by U.S. Reps. Debbie Lesko, Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, Crane said. The representatives are all Arizona Republicans. None of them attended GCU." [Arizona Republic, 11/17/23]
November 2023: Rep. Eli Crane Called For Immediate Rescission Of Fine Against GCU According to Arizona Daily Star, "Last week, U.S. Rep. Eli Crane wrote a letter to the Department of Education calling on federal regulators to 'immediately rescind this fine.' The letter echoed GCU's claims of mistreatment by the agency and accused the regulators of stepping on religious freedom." [Arizona Daily Star, 11/18/23]
November 2023: Crane's Letter Accused The Department Of Overreach And Religious Freedom Violations According to Arizona Daily Star, "'Your Department has been keen to repeal robust protections for religious freedom within your jurisdiction,' Crane wrote. 'Your Department has not made a compelling case to institute a multi-million dollar fine ... and is overreach at best.'" [Arizona Daily Star, 11/18/23]
November 2023: Arizona Republican Representatives Including Crane Signed The Letter To The Department Of Education According to Arizona Daily Star, "It was also signed by U.S. Reps. Debbie Lesko, Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, Crane said. [...] The representatives are all Arizona Republicans. None of them attended GCU." [Arizona Daily Star, 11/18/23]