News and updates

Here’s a selection of articles the Federal Relations team is enjoying this week.

No Credit – The Education Department on Wednesday recommended that the organization that accredits many of the nation’s for-profit colleges and vocational schools shouldn’t be recognized, a step that could threaten access to nearly $5 billion in federal financial aid for more than 800,000 students. The decision also has the potential to hasten the consolidation of the for-profit college sector as it could drive out of business many schools that lose access to student loans as well as students leery of attending schools under the regulatory microscope. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

Game Over – Russia’s track and field team has been barred from competing in this summer’s Rio Games because of a far-reaching doping conspiracy, an extraordinary punishment that might be without precedent in Olympics history. Read more in The New York Times. 

Gun Control – After a 15 hour filibuster this week, the Senate is set to begin a series of gun-related votes as early as  Monday, with Democrats pledging to work through the weekend to secure GOP support.  Read more in Roll Call. 

Terrorists and Guns via the New York Times. 

Perks – When public college or university presidents are hired, their salaries always attract attention. But new research suggests the real growth in executive costs may be due to expenses and benefits, which these days go beyond the charge to live in the president’s mansion. Presidents’ contracts have become long, complex and stuffed with extra benefits going far beyond base salary and a place to live, according to new research from James Finkelstein, a public policy professor at George Mason University who has been analyzing presidential contracts for several years. Finkelstein is scheduled to share his findings at the American Association of University Professors’ annual conference Thursday in Washington. Read more at Inside Higher Ed. 

Zika – The Senate agreed by voice vote Wednesday night to join the House in formal negotiations over a Zika virus response package, the latest incremental step toward clearing a bill for President Barack Obama’s signature. Read more in Roll Call. 

Yughly Terrible – GOP insiders said Trump’s response to the incident was “only fair” or “poor” — with nearly half of all Republicans rating it poor. Read more at Politico. 

Here’s a selection of articles Federal Relations is reading this week.

Top 10 – Senate Republicans are in a tough position this year to defend their majority. While Senate Democrats only have to defend 10 seats, Republicans have to defend 24 seats — most of them in blue or purple states. The Hill has the top 10 most likely to flip Republican seats. 

No 2 – Here’s a look at who Hillary Clinton could pick as her running mate. Read more at NBC. 

BAD Idea – For the first time this year, colleges are required to publicly disclose the number of rapes, broken out from sexual assaults, reported on their campuses. That means it’s possible to create a list of the most rape-ridden colleges in the US. Read more at Vox. 

ReBrand – For the second time in less than a decade, the industry association representing colleges and universities has changed its name, part of a three-year plan to reverse dramatic enrollment declines that have resulted in closings and bankruptcies. The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities will become Career Education Colleges and Universities, or CECU, it announced at its annual convention here. The new group, which has lost several of its for-profit members, will also welcome nonprofit institutions for the first time. Read more in The Hechinger Report. 

No Agreement in Sight – Sexual assault is a huge problem in the US military. And for many victims, the process of reporting their crime and seeking justice can be as traumatic as their assault. Congress, Americans, and the military agree something needs to change, but there’s a profound disagreement on how, and how much, the system needs to change. Read more at Vox. 

History Lesson – A similar scenario to Donald Trump’s candidacy unfolded in 1848, when General Zachary Taylor conquered the Whig Party as nominee…and it broke the party. Read more in Politico. 

First to Fall – Several states held primaries on Tuesday. While, a Democratic incumbent has already lost the primary, Tuesday saw the fall of the first GOP member, the embattled Renee Elmers, who’s endured a series of unfortunate events including a scandal over an affair, the Tea Party turning against her, and redistricting. Roll Call had the preview. 

A Day in the Life – Official White House photographer Pete Souza has chronicled the most intimate, candid and comical moments of Barack Obama’s two-term presidency. See the photos and story at The Guardian.