CONGRESS

U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued subpoenas to Minnesota state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Inspector General regarding allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 Federal nutrition assistance.

ADMINISTRATION

The White House submitted a request for anomalies to Congress for consideration as part of the Continuing Resolution that Congress is expected to pass later this month. The only education-related item in this request is for the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED’s) Federal Student Aid office to spend at a higher rate compared to fiscal year 2024 ($300 million more).

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, discussing issues such as parental concerns about the youth mental health crisis and navigating social media challenges.

The Biden Administration announced actions related to student academic success. Measures include grant announcements, issuing new school improvement guidance, releasing a new resource for educators on evidence-based strategies for increasing student literacy and math achievement and other matters.

President Biden signed an executive order on Investing in America and Investing in American Workers, which addresses wages, workplace safety and the opportunity to join unions.

COURTS

A Federal District Court Judge in the Southern District of Georgia issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking ED from granting loan forgiveness under a final rule that is expected to be published in the Federal Register in the coming weeks. ED had previously announced their plans to provide this forgiveness and the ability of borrowers to opt out. The TRO was issued in response to a suit filed by seven States—Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota and Ohio—seeking to block the forgiveness that would be provided by ED.