The US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) will hold a hearing on simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Witnesses are from the National College Attainment Network, University of North Carolina, HCM Strategies, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
In a press statement, the US Department of Education announced the publication of the final rule Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities. The rule will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
The final rule intends to “ensure that public institutions of higher education uphold fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and that private institutions of higher education adhere to their own policies regarding freedom of speech, including academic freedom”.
Among other things, the press statement outlines major aspects of the rule, including :
The full press statement and link to fact sheet is available here.
Today, US Senate Republican leaders released a smaller, targeted COVID-19 package. Titled “Delivering Immediate Relief to America’s Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act”, the legislation focuses on specific priorities including childcare, COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, and the USPS. It would cost approximately $500 billion and a vote is expected as soon as this week. A larger relief package remains in limbo as Democratic and Republican leaders failed to reach an agreement on a topline number.
Keep up with what’s happening in DC. Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.
CDC Guidance to States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has requested states begin developing plans to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as late October. More here.
Facebook Counters Voting Misinformation: Facebook said in a press statement it will remove statements from the President urging North Carolina voters to cast their ballot twice, saying it violates their policies on encouraging voter fraud. Statements made with full context, or to correct misinformation, will remain intact. Full story at Politico.
Unemployment Rate Drops: According to the Department of Labor, the US unemployment rate dropped to 8.4% in August, marking another month of decline. However, unemployment remains significantly higher than before the pandemic. More here.
OMB Examines Federal Race Training: A memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget is requesting federal agencies review race-related training given to employees, calling out “anti-American” and “divisive” content. More at Washington Post.
CR in the Works: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin have reportedly reached an informal deal to pass a continuing resolution, which would prevent a government shutdown at the end of the month. Details, including length, are unknown. As for a 4th COVID supplemental, the two will reportedly not resume negotiations until a topline number is agreed upon. More at Roll Call.
On Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 the US House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, will host a hearing on COVID impacts to University Research.
Witnesses:
Dr. Joseph Walsh, Interim Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation, University of Illinois System
Dr. David Stone, Vice President for Research, Oakland University
Dr. Theresa Mayer, Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, Purdue University
Mr. Ryan Muzzio, Physics Ph.D. Student, Carnegie Mellon University
The link to watch the hearing is here.