Below is an abridged version of RAMC’s weekly Washington Wrap Up. Find out more about Wrap Up and other RAMC resources here.

HOUSE

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) released a statement on the Administration’s decision to rescind U.S. Department of Education (ED) guidance related to Title IX protections for transgender students.

House Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) released a statement on the Administration’s actions related to the rescission of the guidance regarding transgender students.

SENATE 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) issued a statement on the Administration’s decision to rescind ED’s guidance related to Title IX protections for transgender students.

Senate Democrats sent a letter to ED Secretary Betsy DeVos seeking clarification about a higher education task force that the president of Liberty University, Jerry Falwell, Jr., says the Trump Administration has asked him to lead.

ADMINISTRATION  

Secretary DeVos spoke at the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference. Her remarks can be found here.

In conjunction with the Administration’s decision to rescind the guidance related to transgender students, Secretary DeVos issued a statement saying ED would continue to investigate claims of bullying and harassment.

ED issued a statement on Secretary DeVos’ meeting with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

The White House released a statement on President Trump’s First Month: Achieving Results for the American People.

The White House confirmed that the Administration will issue a “skinny budget” proposal the week of March 16^th.

On Tuesday, February 28th, President Trump is scheduled to make his first official speech to a joint session of Congress.

EVENTS

Penn Hill Group plans to provide clients with a summary of the following event next week:

• February 28: House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee hearing on “Providing More Students a Pathway to Success by Strengthening Career and Technical Education”

Education News Headlines

Betsy DeVos: ‘Education Establishment’ Has Blocked Efforts to Fix Schools [Article 1 – Education Week]

Education secretary criticizes professors as telling students ‘what to think’ [Article 2 – Inside Higher Ed]

In Foxx, Trump & DeVos Have a Staunch Education Ally [Article 3 – Real Clear Politics]

Democrats Ask GAO to Assess Hunger on Campuses [Article 5 – Inside Higher Ed]

Want more jobs? Give high school students more exposure to training for a variety of careers [Article 6 – The Washington Post]

Senate Democrats seek answers about a Trump higher ed task force  [Article 3 – The Los Angeles Times]

Report documents impact of income tax breaks for higher education [Article 4 – Inside Higher Ed]

AAC&U Releases Report on National, Large-Scale Look at Student Learning [Article 9 – Inside Higher Ed]

State funding cuts routinely hurt certain colleges more than others [Article 10 – The Hill]

Financial insecurity could keep some community college students from completing [Article 12 – Inside Higher Ed]

New Rules on Deportations Don’t Affect DACA [Article 9 – Inside Higher Ed]

Committee News and Schedule, Schedule for House and Senate Floor

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation
March 8: Full Committee Hearing: “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission”
Witnesses: The Honorable Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission; The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; The Honorable Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
10:00 a.m. in 216 Hart Senate Office Building or webcast

House Committee on Appropriations 
March 8: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee: Public Witness Day
Witnesses: to be determined. The deadline to submit requests to testify is Tuesday, February 21, 2017. The deadline to submit written testimony is Wednesday, March 8, 2017.
10:00 a.m. in 2358-C Rayburn House Office Building
 

Legislative Movement in Congress

H.R.1206 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to include the cost of applying to an institution of higher learning as part of the benefits provided under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Messer, Luke [R-IN-6] (Introduced 02/21/2017) Cosponsors: (34)
Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs
Latest Action: 02/21/2017 Referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Press Release: Under Messer-Larsen Bill, Veterans Could Use Post 9/11 GI Benefits to Cover Higher Education Application Fees

S.Res.66 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month.
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA] (Introduced 02/17/2017) Cosponsors: (30)
Latest Action: 02/17/2017 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1416; text of measure as passed: CR S1398-1399)

Federal Education Training and Grant Opportunities, Notices

ED Grant Notice: Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. Applications due: April 7, 2017.

ED Grant Notice: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program.
Applications due April 24, 2017.