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

HOUSE and SENATE

The House, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 LHHS appropriations legislation on a 9 to 6 party-line vote. The full Committee is scheduled to mark up the bill on Monday, July 13.

ADMINISTRATION

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it will issue a temporary final rule that would prevent international students from studying in the United States if their academic program takes place entirely online.

President Trump signed an executive order on Hispanic Americans’ access to educational and economic opportunities.

The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) is scheduled to meet on July 29 and 30. During the meeting NACIQI is expected to consider matters regarding several applications for renewal of recognition, an update on the NACIQI subcommittee focused on board governance, as well as a review of recognition of the Higher Learning Commission. An earlier notice of the meeting included a review of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as a recognized accreditor, but this item was not included in the final agenda.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it would not be restricting eligibility of certain IHEs to receive GI Bill funds.

ED announced the final wave of career and technical education (CTE) State plan approvals. To date, 42 State CTE plans have been approved by ED, with 9 States having combined Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act plans approved. California and Palau have received extensions to submit plans due to COVID-19 disruptions.

SUPREME COURT

In Our Lady of Guadalupe School V. Morrissey-Berru, the Supreme Court ruled that religious freedom protections exempt religious institutions from Federal employment discrimination laws.

EVENTS

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

• July 13: Full Committee Markup: FY2021 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bills
  1:00 p.m. in 1100 Longworth House Office Building or webcast
• July 16: Subcommittee Hearing: “Putting America Back to Work: The Role of Workforce Development and Small Business Rehiring”. 1:00 p.m. via Webex

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Penn Hill Group provides a list of grant opportunities and summaries for select grants. Please visit our website for more information.