CONGRESS

The Senate passed a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the FCC’s “Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program” rule in a 50 to 38 vote. The rule allows telecommunications funds to support take-home Wi-Fi for students.

ADMINISTRATION

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced its intention to hold negotiated rulemaking sessions on the following topics: (1) refining definitions of a qualifying employer for the purposes of determining eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; and (2) revisiting family size, restructuring repayment plan provisions, including the alternative repayment plan and certain other provisions of the July 10, 2023 rule. Additionally, ED shared the list of constituencies it will consider for nominations to the negotiated rulemaking committee. ED’s notice states that the negotiated rulemaking meetings will take place between June 30 and July 2.

The Trump Administration nominated David Barker to be ED’s Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that effective immediately, it will apply a standard indirect cost rate not to exceed 15 percent to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded to institutions of higher education for which indirect costs are allowable. A lawsuit has been filed against this action.

ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid urged colleges and universities to remind students to repay their loans.

ED sent a letter to all chief state school officers providing guidance on the Unsafe School Choice Option provision.

The U.S Department of Labor terminated dozens of workforce development grants from its Women’s Bureau citing “wasteful” ties to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and gender ideology.

The Trump Administration has withdrawn and terminated hundreds of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants.

The Trump Administration let go Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress.

COURTS

A district judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking ED from enforcing or implementing its decision to halt continued COVID-19 relief spending under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program in states which were part of the case as the litigation plays out.

A district judge issued an injunction, blocking the Trump Administration from carrying out its Executive Order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

EVENTS

Penn Hill Group plans on providing clients with a summary of the following events next week:

May 14: House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing titled “Budget Hearing – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”

May 14: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Full Committee Hearing titled “Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget.”

May 15: House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearing titled “Reimagining Education: How Charter Schools Are Closing Gaps and Opening Doors.”

May 15: House Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing titled “Budget Hearing – U.S. Department of Labor.”