Here’s a selection of articles the Federal Relations team is enjoying this week.
Bad Management – Congress faces another government shutdown on October 1st, and to Wall Street’s leading CEO, Jamie Dimon, it’s a simple case of bad management. Congress’s failure to fund the government, and embroil it with gridlock is damaging the US economy. See more at NBC’s Meet the Press.
Boehner Done – He had to wait for the Pope to finish addressing the United Nations, but the day after the Pope’s historic visit to Washington and address of Congress, House Speaker John Boehner has announced he is leaving from Congress as of October 30th. He will help fashion a deal with Congressional Democrats to continue to fund the federal government and then retire. Read more at the Washington Post. Also, this means there will not be a shutdown. Politico has a long form piece on the challenges Boehner has faced as speaker.
Understanding China – Chinese President Xi visits both Washingtons this week on his first official trip to the United States as president. While relations with China have recently been strained, the trip will hopefully help relations on both sides as Chia make concessions on environmental issues. The Washington Post explains China in graphs. Also, WaPo has a brief on what to expect from the visit.
Sexual Assault Survey – New numbers from AAU’s campus survey reveal that one in five women are sexually attacked while in college, while more than 1 in and those assaults are massively underreported. Read more at the Huffington Post and the Washington Post.
College Cost$ – The need to reduce or eliminate college debt is a topic growing in momentum on Capitol Hill. It’s a sentiment echoed by Republicans and Democrats, but it is a complicated issue and topic. Rising college debt is being called the next financial crisis, but how do policy makers go about tackling it? Politico looks at eight innovative proposals.
Throwing Elbows – Ed Secretary Arne Duncan has been a vital ally to helping the Administration move their agenda forward. One of Obama’s closest friends has put a strong stamp on America’s educational system. But what will his legacy be? Read more at Politico.
Mind the Gap – The gulf between rich and poor is growing and this divide is sharply seen in education. the achievement gaps between more affluent and less privileged children is wider than ever. Read more at the New York Times.
Politico has every photo you need to see of Pope Francis while he was in DC.