The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that makes major changes to how college students receive financial aid.

The House voted 253 to 171 for the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Among other things, the bill ends federal subsidies for private lenders, leaving the government to make all its student loans directly. The bill also expands the Pell Grant program and simplifies the financial aid application process.

The measure now moves to the Senate, where its fate is less certain.

Earlier this week, members of the Arizona Students Association demonstrated on the UA Mall in favor of the bill.

But even though the bill passed the House, representatives of the student-lobbying group say their grassroots campaign is just beginning.

“”We’re really excited that that happened, but obviously we still have a lot of work to do,”” said Elma Delic, vice chair of the ASA Board of Directors.

“”Obviously it still has to pass the Senate,”” she said.

The bill’s critics say it amounts to a government takeover of student lending.

Lawmakers split largely along party lines on the bill, with only six Republicans in favor and four Democrats against.

Southern Arizona’s two Congress members, Democrats Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva, both voted for the bill.