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

HOUSE and SENATE

The House Budget Committee approved a reconciliation package consisting of the bills reported by Committees receiving reconciliation instructions to the full House, including the House Education and Labor legislation. The House is scheduled to debate this measure later today.

The Senate voted 66-32 to invoke cloture on the nomination of Miguel Cardona to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education.  The Senate is scheduled to take a final vote on the Cardona nomination at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1.

The House voted 224-206 to pass the Equality Act, which would forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in public education and other areas.

The Government Accountability Office issued a report on “Low-Income Workers: Millions Of Full-Time Workers In The Private Sector Rely On Federal Health Care And Food Assistance Programs.”

ADMINISTRATION

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) released guidance regarding flexibility in administering Statewide assessments for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Biden Administration formally nominated James Kvaal to be Under Secretary at ED.

ED announced other officials that were named to positions at the agency.

The Biden Administration Department of Justice withdrew the Administration’s support for an Idaho law that prevents female transgender athletes from participating on sports teams that match their gender identity.

The FCC finalized rules for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and announced the Commission’s intent to begin operating the program in the next 60 days.

A Federal Judge ruled that ED must turn over emails from former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos regarding the Department’s delay in resolving thousands of borrower defense to repayment (BDR) claims.

The Biden Administration announced changes to small business lending and the Paycheck Protection Program to “further promote equitable access to relief.”

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

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