Washington Insights & Highlights December 18th
Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Update
On Tuesday evening, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) released (H.R. 10445) a 1,547-page Continuing Resolution (CR) that will provide funding for the federal government through March 14, 2025. The measure includes $100 billion in disaster relief and a wide range of other policy provisions. The CR also ensures that the Pentagon and other non-defense agencies, including those focused on education and science, will continue to be funded at current levels through March 14. While a floor vote has not yet been scheduled, it is expected that the House will consider the CR on Thursday, December 19 under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. This leaves the Senate just one day to pass the CR before the midnight deadline on Friday, December 20. According to Capitol Hill insiders and media reports, the three-month CR is expected to pass this week before the end of the 118th Congress. Final budget decisions are expected to be made in the new year, with the Republican-led 119th Congress and President-elect Trump assuming office.
Next Chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee — Representative Tim Walberg
Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), has been selected to chair the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in the 119th Congress, succeeding Virginia Foxx (R-NC). As committee chair, Representative Walberg’s plans to focus on issues such as fighting antisemitism on campuses, increasing opportunities for American workers, boosting internships and apprenticeships, and enhancing college affordability.
Earlier today, Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) was reelected to lead the Democrats on the House Education and the Workforce Committee.
Higher Education Community Submits Letter to Education Secretary Seeking Reporting Extension on GE/FVT Regulations
On December 13, the higher education community, including the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), requested that the U.S. Department of Education delay reporting deadlines for the Financial Value Transparency (FVT) and Gainful Employment (GE) regulations until July 2025, after a survey of higher education institutions showed that 82 percent doubted their ability to finalize completers lists within the required timeframe.
The recent survey conducted by the American Council on Education (ACE) reveals significant challenges colleges and universities face in meeting the January 15, 2025, reporting deadline for FVT/GE regulations. Of 355 survey respondents, 40 percent found the guidance unclear, while findings show 79 percent expect delayed determinations, 73 percent need more resources, and 87 percent support extending the deadline to July 2025.
CGS members can learn more about the timeline of FVT/GE implementation and access helpful resources here.
Biden Signs Law Mandating October 1 Deadline for FAFSA Release
President Joe Biden signed the FAFSA Deadline Act, requiring the U.S. Department of Education to release the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by October 1 annually. Additionally, the Department must alert Congress by September 1 each year if the agency will meet the annual deadline. The law addresses delays and confusion caused by the Department’s late release of the previous FAFSA cycle. As of December 2024, the Department has surpassed 1.5 million 2025–2026 FAFSA submissions.
NSF Request for Information on Intellectual Property Options
The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks public comment on the implementation of new intellectual property provisions to be used in public-private partnerships, particularly those that advance research and development. “To enhance the effectiveness of public-private partnerships, NSF seeks to implement a set of options for Intellectual Property (IP) provisions that provide greater flexibility and balance of interests of both academia and industry.” According to the federal register notice, NSF welcomes public comment on the following IP options: (1) Research License with Commercial Option; (2) Convertible Commercial License; and (3) Research-Only License. Moreover, the agency asks respondents to only provide feedback on one or more questions relevant to them. All comments are due by January 24, 2025.
Establishment of the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group
President Joe Biden issued a memorandum to establish the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group (Task Force) within the Executive Office of the President. The Task Force will monitor and address efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to censor or intimidate any United States person, including individuals and organizations. Led by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Director of the National Economic Council, the Task Force will include representatives from various U.S. government departments and agencies, such as the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, and Education. Members will oversee the creation and execution of a comprehensive federal strategy to address Chinese censorship efforts.
Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Task Force shall submit a strategy report to the President and Congress, followed by an annual report each year. These reports will assess the progress of efforts to counter Chinese censorship and intimidation.
Nominations for Sea Grant Advisory Board
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a notice inviting nominations for membership on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB). The National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB) advises the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) in areas of program evaluation, strategic planning, education and extension and science and technology programs. The Board is seeking individuals with expertise in federal, state, and/or local government, fisheries management, water resource management, social and behavioral sciences, climate, weather and meteorology, engineering, and risk management. Board members represent a range of sectors, including academia, industry, state government, and civic organizations.
To apply for membership, applicants must submit a resume and are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter outlining specific areas of expertise relevant to the Board’s objectives. Applications are due by January 31, 2025.