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

HOUSE and SENATE

The House and Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319).

Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee Ranking Member Roy Blunt (R-MO) announced his retirement.

ADMINISTRATION

President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319) into law.

President Biden issued an executive order that stated “all students should be guaranteed an educational environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex” and instructed the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to jointly review both the Title IX regulation and other ED guidance to ensure policies align with the President’s statement.

ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that it would not require completion of the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement form for the 2021-2022 award year.

DOJ submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court which argued that the NCAA’s restrictions on student athlete compensation violate antitrust laws.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is extending several school meal waivers through September 30, 2021.

SUPREME COURT

In an 8-1 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a student from Georgia’s Gwinnett College could still seek nominal damages over a case involving free speech policies that are no longer in effect.

EVENTS

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

March 17: House Education and Labor Subcommittee Hearing on “Rising to the Challenge: The Future of Higher Education Post COVID-19.”

March 18: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Hearing on “Examining Our COVID-19 Response: An Update from Federal Officials”

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

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