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

May 30, 2018

HOUSE and SENATE
The House and Senate are in recess the week of May 28.

The House Appropriations Committee approved the spending levels for each of the 12 appropriations subcommittees, referred to as 302(b) allocations, for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (LHHS) was allotted $177.1 billion for spending, the same amount as in FY2018.

The Senate Appropriations Committee also approved its subcommittee 302(b) allocations with the LHHS Subcommittee receiving $179.2 billion in funding, a $2.1 billion increase over FY2018 and the House’s LHHS FY2019 funding.

The Senate reached an agreement by unanimous consent to debate and vote on the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights. A floor schedule for this debate has not yet been announced.

The Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations will accept written testimony from outside witnesses on fiscal year (FY) 2019 appropriations. The deadline to submit written testimony is Friday, June 1.

ADMINISTRATION
U.S. Department of Education (ED) is proposing to delay State Authorization for distance education and foreign location regulations until 2020. ED has waived negotiated rulemaking on this delay, and it is open to a 15-day comment period. The existing rule is scheduled to take effect on July 1.

ED announced a process for borrowers who were primarily denied participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program due to enrollment in non-eligible repayment plans to seek relief. This process is pursuant to the $350 million Congress provided earlier this year for this purpose.

ED, in a court filing, stated it would transition from reliance on existing private collection agencies for collections on defaulted student loans to companies that would primarily focus on pre-default services for struggling borrowers.

 
Education News Headlines
[Click on the link to read the article online]
Federal court rules Trump’s Education Dept violated privacy laws [The Hill]

A Degree With Zero Student Debt. Does It Work? [National Public Radio]

Study: For-profits raise tuition as Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit grows [Inside Higher Ed]

A for-profit high school recruits students with guarantee on admission to top colleges [Inside Higher Ed]

Trump Ed. Dept. Announces New Career and Technical Education Grants [Education Week]

U.S. plans 2-year delay in rule governing state approval of online programs [Inside Higher Ed]

New Accreditation Panel on Nonprofit Conversions [Inside Higher Ed]

There are ways for colleges to recruit, retain, and graduate more poor students—it’s just a matter of implementing them [The Atlantic]

3 Takeaways From a Book-Length Federal Report on ‘The Condition of Education’ [The Chronicle of Higher Education]

What you need to know about the temporary expansion of loan forgiveness for public servants [The Washington Post]

A new theory suggests that to fix K–12 school segregation, colleges must fix the admissions process [The Atlantic]

Former Gates Foundation Official Will Lead Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education [The Chronicle of Higher Education]

Education Department Launches ‘Top-To-Bottom’ Review Of Teachers’ Grant Program [National Public Radio]

Op-Ed: Community college reforms are on the right track [EdSource]

Op-Ed: Why the PROSPER Act creates big problems for students and their families [The Hill]

Committee News and Schedule, Schedule for House and Senate Floor:
House Education and the Workforce Committee
Press Release: Education Secretary DeVos Testifies Before House Committee

Press Release: In Secretary Devos’s First Appearance Before the Committee, Democrats Seek Answers on Conflicts of Interest, Support for For-Profit Colleges, and Attacks on Civil Rights

Press Release: As Teacher Marches And Protests Sweep The Country, House & Senate Democratic Leaders Unveil New “Better Deal” Proposal To Provide Major Boost In Teacher Pay And Make Investments In America’s Schools

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Press Release: Murray, Senators Denounce Move By Secretary DeVos to End Investigations and Office Responsible for Protecting Students from Predatory Colleges

U.S. Department of Education and the Administration:
ED Press Release: U.S. Department of Education Partners with Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to Launch “She Can” STEM Summer Camp

ED Speech: Prepared Remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to the House Education and the Workforce Committee

DOL Press Release: U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $20 Million In Grants To Help Injured or Ill Americans Remain In Labor Force

IES Report: “A Description of U.S. Adults Who Are Not Digitally Literate”

IES Report: “The Condition of Education: 2018”

Legislative Movement in Congress Last Week:
H.R.5976 — To amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to direct the Secretary to provide additional funds to States to establish and make disbursements from high cost funds.
Sponsor: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2] (Introduced 05/25/2018) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/25/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.Res.914 — Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.
Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37] (Introduced 05/25/2018) Cosponsors: (110)
Committees: House – Ways and Means
Latest Action:  House – 05/25/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5962 — To provide for loan forgiveness for STEM teachers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] (Introduced 05/24/2018) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: House – Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/24/2018 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the…
Press Release: Swalwell Reintroduces Bill to Improve Access to STEM Fields

H.R.5968 — To encourage online workforce training.
Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] (Introduced 05/24/2018) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/24/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Press Release: Larsen Introduces Bill for Online Workforce Training

S.2984 — A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide greater access to higher education for America’s students, to eliminate educational barriers for participation in a public service career, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] (Introduced 05/24/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/24/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.5928 — To repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, forgive all outstanding Federal student loans, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Polis, Jared [D-CO-2] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House – Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce
Latest Action:  House – 05/23/2018 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Natural Resources, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions…
Press Release: Polis calls out “SOS,” introduces the Students Over Special Interests Act

H.R.5941 — To prevent child injuries and deaths by firearms.
Sponsor: Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House – Judiciary, Energy and Commerce
Latest Action:  House – 05/23/2018 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee…
Press Release: Langevin Introduces Legislation to Protect Children by Ensuring Guns Are Stored Safely

H.R.5943 — To amend the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to improve professional development for career and technical educators.
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Sean Patrick [D-NY-18] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/23/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R.5944 — To improve career and technical education by providing improved educational opportunities and financial assistance for career and technical educators.
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Sean Patrick [D-NY-18] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/23/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R.5950 — To protect children affected by immigration enforcement actions.
Sponsor: Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: House – Judiciary
Latest Action:  House – 05/23/2018 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Press Release: Rep. Roybal-Allard and Sen. Smith Reintroduce Bill to Protect Safety of Minor Children Left Alone When Parents Are Arrested or Detained by U.S. Immigration Officials

S.2932 — A bill to strengthen protections relating to the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children and minors, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/23/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Release: Markey, Barton, Rush, Blumenthal Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Protect Children’s Online Privacy

S.2934 — A bill to increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies.
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/23/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Press Release: Sen. Bill Nelson, citing recent shootings, proposes hiring more mental health providers at schools

S.2937 — A bill to protect children affected by immigration enforcement actions.
Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (23)
Committees: Senate – Judiciary
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/23/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Press Release: Sen. Tina Smith Leads 23 Senators in Calling to Protect Minor Children Left Alone When Parents are Arrested or Detained By U.S. Immigration Officials

S.2940 — A bill to provide for the consideration of a definition of anti-Semitism for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities.
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC] (Introduced 05/23/2018) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/23/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.5696 — Combating Lead Poisoning Through Nutrition Education Act of 2018
Sponsor: Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4] (Introduced 05/07/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Agriculture
Latest Action:  House – 05/22/2018 Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.

H.R.5903 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain changes made by Public Law 115-97 to the child tax credit.
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8] (Introduced 05/22/2018) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House – Ways and Means
Latest Action:  House – 05/22/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Press Release: Smith Introduces Bill to Permanently Protect American Families

H.R.5915 — To amend the TRIO programs to require priority to be given to homeless children and youth, and students in foster care.
Sponsor: Rep. Mitchell, Paul [R-MI-10] (Introduced 05/22/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/22/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Press Release: Mitchell Introduces Bill To Help Educate Homeless and Foster Youth

H.R.5916 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on institutions of higher education that fail to use 33 percent of the growth in endowment value for grants for working-family students each year, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Reed, Tom [R-NY-23] (Introduced 05/22/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/22/2018 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the…
Press Release: Congressman Tom Reed Introduces Bill To Tackle Student Loan Debt For Working-Class Students

H.R.5917 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for career support for skilled, internationally educated health professionals, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40] (Introduced 05/22/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Energy and Commerce
Latest Action:  House – 05/22/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Press Release: Rep. Royal-Allard Reintroduces PATH Act to Integrate Internationally Trained Health Professionals Into U.S. Health Workforce

S.2903 — A bill to address foreign threats to higher education in the United States.
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (Introduced 05/22/2018) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate – Judiciary
Latest Action:  Senate – 05/22/2018 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Press Release: Washington Post: New Sen. Cruz Bill Aims to Counter Chinese Espionage Efforts Within American Universities

H.R.5888 — To amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide grants for coordination of the TANF program with career pathways.
Sponsor: Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1] (Introduced 05/21/2018) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House – Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/21/2018 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the…
Press Release: Neal Introduces Legislation to Improve Parents’ Access to Good Jobs

H.R.5889 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate information, resources, and if requested, technical assistance to early childhood care and education providers and professionals working with young children on ways to properly recognize and respond to children who may be impacted by trauma related to substance abuse.
Sponsor: Rep. Brat, Dave [R-VA-7] (Introduced 05/21/2018) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/21/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R.5890 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide assistance to States in complying with, and implementing, certain provisions of section 106 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in order to promote better protections for young children and family-centered responses, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Garrett, Thomas A., Jr. [R-VA-5] (Introduced 05/21/2018) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Education and the Workforce
Latest Action:  House – 05/21/2018 Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Press Release: Rep. Garrett Introduces Legislation To Help States’ Combat Opioid Addiction Among Women, Children

Federal Education Training and Grant Opportunities, Notices:
DOL Comment Request: Pre-Apprenticeship—Pathways to Success. Comments due July 30, 2018.

ED Comment Request: Temporary Expansion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TE-PSLF). Comments due July 23, 2018.

ED Comment Request: U.S. Department of Education Grant Performance Report Form (ED 524B). Comments due June 25, 2018.

ED Grant Notice: Language Resource Centers (LRC) Program. Applications due June 25, 2018.

ED Comment Request Extension: Temporary Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students (Emergency Impact Aid) and the Assistance for Homeless Children and Youth programs under Division B, Subdivision 1, Title VIII, “Hurricane Education Recovery,” of Public Law 115-123, the “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018.” This notice extends the original May 25, 2018 deadlines for State educational agency (SEA) transmittal of both applications to June 4, 2018. In addition, this notice extends the original May 15, 2018 deadline for local educational agencies (LEAs) to submit applications to SEAs under the Emergency Impact Aid program to July 20, 2018.