Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team has read this week.
Public Impeachment Hearings: The House Intelligence Committee has been holding public hearings related to the impeachment inquiry. Key figures have had the chance to testify publicly regarding what they knew and heard in the events surrounding the infamous Ukraine call. The testimonies exclude classified information, but shed light on how career government officials interpreted President Trump’s behaviors. Live updates on CNN.
A Uniform Federal Grant Application: A report from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs recommends a uniform federal grant application as a key tool to deter foreign influence. Supporters argue a single application would reduce administrative burden, and allow agencies to assess foreign threats against unified criteria. Full story at Science Magazine.
New Data on Study Abroad: A report from the Institute of International Education, which receives Department of State funding, shed light on the demographics of US college students who study abroad. In the last year, the total number has increased slightly, and about 16% of all college students study abroad at some point. Two-thirds of participants are women, and half study in Europe. STEM majors make up the majority of participants, at about 25%. Continue reading at Inside Higher Ed.