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

HOUSE and SENATE

The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved its reconciliation bill, in response to the instructions included in the Budget Resolution passed this month, on a 31-24 vote. The bill includes $7.6 billion in funding to provide Wi-Fi-connected devices and internet service for students, teachers and library patrons through eligible schools and libraries.

The House Budget Committee announced it plans to mark up the American Rescue Plan (legislative text consisting of each House Committee’s reconciliation legislation) on Monday, February 22.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produced the official score depicting the impact on the Federal budget of the House Education and Labor Committee-passed budget reconciliation measure.

ADMINISTRATION

President Biden issued an executive order to revoke Executive Order 13801 (Expanding Apprenticeships in America). In addition to this order, the U.S. Department of Labor announced several actions regarding the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), including allowing currently recognized IRAPs to continue and the relaunch of DOL’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship.

President Biden endorsed House Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott’s (D-VA) National Apprenticeship Act (H.R.447).

The Biden Administration announced that James Kvaal will serve as the Under Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

EVENTS

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

February 22: House Budget Committee Markup of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; and

February 23: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Full Committee hearing on the nomination of Xavier Becerra to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

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