A quick look back at the news from last week. Compiled by Penn Hill Group.

HOUSE

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on President Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget request for the Department of Labor (DOL), where DOL Secretary Alexander Acosta testified. During the hearing, Secretary Acosta announced that DOL is in the process of drafting a request for information that will be filed in the next “two to three weeks” asking for public information and public comment on the overtime rule.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on President Trump’s FY2018 budget request for the National Science Foundation (NSF), where NSF Director Dr. France Cordova testified.

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter to DOL Secretary Acosta to express concerns over challenges facing the Federal Job Corps program, as well as to request information on steps DOL is taking to improve the health and safety of those who participate in the program.

Chairwoman Foxx and Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chairman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released a statement applauding DOL’s rescission of regulatory guidance that narrowed the definition of independent contractor and expanded the definition of joint employer, which were promulgated during the Obama Administration.

SENATE

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on President Trump’s FY2018 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education (ED), where ED Secretary Betsy DeVos testified.

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) released a statement on President Trump’s selection of Peter Oppenheim to serve as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs at ED.

Chairman Alexander released a statement applauding DOL’s rescission of regulatory guidance that narrowed the definition of independent contractor and expanded the definition of joint employer, which were promulgated during the Obama Administration.

Chairman Alexander released a statement supporting President Trump’s decision to retain Francis Collins as the director of the National Institutes of Health.

HELP Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) released a statement in opposition to ED’s hiring of Adam Kissel as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs.

Ranking Member Murray released a statement on ED making available the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool for borrowers applying for an income-driven repayment plan.

ADMINISTRATION  

ED Secretary DeVos announced the hiring of Adam Kissel as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs. Also, Peter Oppenheim was nominated as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs at ED, and Carlos Muniz was nominated as General Counsel at ED.

During a scheduling hearing in the case of California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) against ED, ED announced that they are considering delaying the borrower defense regulations. In this lawsuit, CAPPS, a group of for-profit colleges, is seeking to block implementation of the borrower defense regulations.

Politico reported that the Trump Administration is considering delaying the gainful employment regulations.

It has been reported that the White House will make an announcement designed to encourage use of apprenticeships in higher education as soon as next week.

ED Secretary DeVos visited Eagle Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., where she spoke in support of D.C.’s school choice program.

EVENTS

Penn Hill Group plans to provide clients with summaries of the following events next week:

• June 15: House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development hearing: “Helping Americans Get Back to Work: Implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act”
• June 15: Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing: “Review of the FY2018 Department of Health & Human Services Budget Request”