Here’s a quick look at the news from last week (October 17-21) in Washington.

The Administration’s National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) that advises Secretary Duncan on accreditation issues will be publishing its
higher education reauthorization recommendations in the Congressional Record
in the near future.

Melody Barnes, the President’s Domestic Policy Advisor, announced her intention to leave the Obama Administration.

Thirty-five states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, submitted applications for the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Fund competition.

SENATE
Yesterday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee marked up a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill passed the committee by a vote of 15-7, with Senators Enzi, Alexander and Kirk voting with Democrats.
Penn Hill Group covered the hearing with frequent updates on Twitter, as well as a summary of the amendments that were considered during the mark-up.

As part of a deal with Senator Paul to move forward with the mark-up, Senators Harkin and Enzi committed to holding an additional hearing on the bill before it goes to the Senate floor; the hearing is tentatively scheduled for November 8.

HOUSE
The House Education & Workforce Committee’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training announced it will hold a hearing on oversight of the Federal Direct Loan program on October 25 titled: “Government-Run Student Loans: Ensuring the Direct Loan Program is Accountable to Students and Taxpayers.”

APPROPRIATIONS
No further action in the House or Senate.