ADMINISTRATION

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved three Workforce Pell-eligible programs at Metropolitan Community College in the State of Nebraska, making it the third institution to receive Federal program approval. The approved programs include Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician and CompTIA Tech+ with Google IT Support.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule that would eliminate the 60-day grace period allowing H-1B and similar nonimmigrant visa holders to remain in the United States following the end of their employment.

CONGRESS

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9723, the Fit Future Act, which codifies a Federal advisory committee to provide recommendations on school-based physical education, nutrition and fitness.

The House passed H.R. 7890, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, legislation focused on evidence-based literacy instruction and supports aligned with the science of reading.

The U.S. Senate voted 74 to 24 to proceed to consider S.4668, the Protect College Sports Act, clearing a key procedural hurdle necessary for the Senate to begin debate on the legislation.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report titled “K-12 Education: Facility Issues Led About One in Five Districts to Cancel School in 2024-25, Affecting 2 Million Students.”

The House concluded legislative business and is scheduled to return on November 9, following the midterm elections.

COURTS

A Federal district court judge temporarily blocked a DHS rule that would replace the current “duration of status” framework with a four-year limit on international students’ presence in the United States.

A Federal district court judge invalidated footnotes that the U.S. Office of Management and Budget used to establish conditions on apportioned Federal funds appropriated for the U.S. Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and related funding. In addition, the judge ordered a status report regarding fiscal year 2025 IES funds by September 28 on whether ED had obligated such funds before the end of the 2026 fiscal year.

A Federal district court judge ruled that ED cannot terminate funding for certain Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development grant programs.

EVENTS

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

September 23: Senate Judiciary Full Committee Hearing titled “Standing Up for Women in Sports: Ensuring Opportunity, Fairness and Safety for Female Athletes.”

September 24: Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Executive Session to consider several nominations and S. 4428, the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026.