What Did I Miss in Washington? September 9-23, 2019
9/23/2019
The steady stream of news emerging from the nation’s capital can be overwhelming. NACUBO highlights key actions and provides the status of top higher education business concerns.
On the Hill
House Passes Budget Extension; Waits for Senate to Follow
The House of Representatives passed a short-term funding extension that would maintain FY19 funding levels and keep the government open through November 21. The Senate will need to pass the same legislation so that President Donald Trump can sign the bill into law before federal funding expires on October 1.
House Education Committee Releases Report on Minority-Serving Schools
Democrats on the House Education Committee, led by Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA), have released a new report focused on historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions. The report calls for greater investment in these schools and comes amid ongoing debate over reauthorization of both the Higher Education Act and the FUTURE Act, which supports STEM efforts at a variety of minority-serving institutions.
Agency Action
ED Announces Expansion of Foreign-Gift Reporting
As lawmakers and regulatory agencies continue to show increased concern over foreign influence on U.S. colleges and universities, the Department of Education has announced an expansion of foreign gift and contract reporting requirements under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. The higher education community is preparing comments in response to this change.
Higher Education Disaster Relief Aid Now Available
ED has announced the availability of funds, and application requirements, for a series of new grants for colleges and universities impacted by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. Applications must be submitted by October 28, 2019.
ED Announces Reimbursement for Perkins Loan Cancellations
ED will reimburse or partially reimburse schools for the institutional share of cancelled Perkins Loans for the first time in nearly a decade.
NLRB Proposes Rule Banning Student Worker Unionization
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has proposed a new rule that would prohibit graduate and undergraduate student workers at private colleges and universities from being considered “employees” in relation to their ability to unionize. The rule, a reversal of a previously held NLRB position, will be open to public comment for 60 days.
Advocacy
NACUBO Supports FUTURE Act
In a letter led by the American Council on Education, NACUBO and over 40 other higher education organizations called on House leaders to pass the FUTURE Act, which provides an extension of funding for STEM programs and infrastructure at historically black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions. The House passed the legislation shortly thereafter. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it may face obstacles over a debate about the need to pass longer-term funding solutions.
NACUBO Supports Terrorism Insurance Legislation
As part of the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, NACUBO has expressed support for the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act and called on members of Congress to reauthorize the legislation, which is set to expire at the end of 2020.
Take Action
Advocacy and Action
Find in-depth analyses, success stories, and advocacy tools in the Advocacy and Action section of Business Officer Magazine. Available in print or online, the September Advocacy and Action feature focuses on new advocacy resources for you. You can always find the latest edition or explore the archive of nearly 60 articles here. If you are a member who wants to subscribe to the print edition, please email membership@nacubo.org with your name, title, institution, and mailing address.
