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

July 28, 2021

HOUSE and SENATE
The House of Representatives is expected to consider the FY 2022 LHHS appropriations legislation as part of a package of seven appropriations bills this week.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced the nominations of Roberto Rodriguez (ED Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development) and Elizabeth Brown (ED General Counsel) by a voice vote.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on “COVID-19: Continued Attention Needed to Enhance Federal Preparedness, Response, Service Delivery, and Program Integrity.”

GAO issued a report on “State and Local Governments: Fiscal Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Selected States.”

ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved plans for using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for six States.

ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance on implementation of current Title IX regulations issued under the Trump Administration and former U.S. Secretary of Education DeVos.

Education News Headlines
[Click on the link to read the article online]
Post-COVID Optimism on College Finances [Inside Higher Ed]

Report Argues Free College Isn’t the Best Policy Path for Low Income Students [Inside Higher Ed]
Third Way Report: “Moving Beyond Free: A College Affordability Compact for the Next Generation”

Cardona: Schools Will Need to ‘Work Twice as Hard’ to Convince Some Families to Return This Fall [The 74]

Bringing Back Low-Income Students [Inside Higher Ed]

Ed Dept offers colleges advice on improving ventilation in coronavirus era [Higher Ed Dive]

What colleges can do after DACA was ruled unlawful [Higher Ed Dive]

Former Sallie Mae CEO calls the cost of higher education ‘criminal’ [The Hill]

Biden urged to continue loan repayment pause as deadline nears [Inside Higher Ed]

Warren: Canceling $50K in student debt could ‘transform an entire generation’ [The Hill]

Quick college credentials: Student outcomes and accountability policy for short-term programs [Brookings Institute]

Appropriations bills include $272 million in higher education earmarks [Inside Higher Ed]

How 14 private colleges are planning to improve community college transfer [Higher Ed Dive]

Committee News and Schedule, Schedule for House and Senate Floor:
Speaker of the House
Press Release: Floor Speech on H.R. 4502, the Labor, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Press Release: HuffPost: Republicans Have No Clear Message On Child Tax Credit Payments

Press Release: Transcript of Speaker Pelosi’s Remarks at Press Event With Moms Helped by Biden Child Tax Credit

Blog: One Week In: Biden Child Tax Credit Bringing Relief to Families, Boosting Local Economies & Making a Difference

House Education and Labor Committee
July 29: Subcommittee Hearing: “Keeping the Pell Grant Promise: Increasing Enrollment, Supporting Success”
Witnesses: Mr. Justin Ortagus, Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration & Policy and Director of the Institute of Higher Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Mr. Robert J. Jones, Ph.D., Chancellor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL; Mr. Michael B. Poliakoff, Ph.D., President, American Council of Trustees and Alumni, Washington, D.C.; Ms. Darleny Suriel, Student, City College of NY, Bronx, NY
10:15 a.m. via zoom

Press Release: House and Senate Democrats, Biden Administration Leaders Stress Importance of Workforce Investments to Build Back Better

Press Release: Foxx Presses Cardona (Again) on Student Loan Servicing Contracts

August 3: Executive Session: S. 1486, S. 1543, S. 2425, S. 2401, and the Nominations of David Weil to be the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the Department of Labor, Catherine Lhamon to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, and Javier Ramirez to be the Director of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Time and location: to be announced

Press Release: At Hearing, Murray Urges Action to Protect Workers’ Right to Organize

Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
Documents and webcast of yesterday’s Subcommittee Hearing: “Protecting Student Loan Borrowers and the Economy in Upcoming Transitions.”

Online Events:
July 28: Brookings Institute event – “Improving Labor and Education Data Systems after the COVID-19 Unemployment Crisis”
The current state of labor and education data systems in the U.S. hampers our ability to understand labor market trends, increases vulnerability to data breaches, and creates a barrier for local job centers to access the data they need to customize their outreach to displaced workers—such as veterans or workers impacted by a mass layoff event like the public health lockdowns. As policymakers debate how to fix our UI systems, it is important to situate the conversation in the larger ecosystem of labor and education data that the UI data feed into, which suffers from many of the same root problems.
Reserve your virtual seat today and listen to U.S. Department of Labor Chief Innovation Officer, Chike Aguh.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Register here.

July 28: Strada Education Network event—“Public Viewpoint: Examining the Value of Nondegree Credentials”
The number of organizations offering non-degree credentials is proliferating, and interest from learners in these credentials — certificates, certifications, and licenses — is growing. But even though these credentials are now in the spotlight, we have relatively sparse data on outcomes. To provide more understanding, through a Strada-Gallup survey we asked more than 14,000 adults across the nation about earnings, job satisfaction, and perceptions about the worth and benefits of nondegree credentials. This month’s Strada Public Viewpoint release compares learner outcomes across degree, nondegree, and combined pathways. By examining programs of different lengths and the experiences of different populations, we aim to provide insights that inform our understanding of the value and potential limitations of nondegree credentials.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Register here.

July 28: Third Way event —“Higher Education in the American Families Plan”
Our higher education system is set up to disproportionately send students of color and low-income students to the most under-resourced institutions. And, the pandemic exacerbated existing equity gaps, shining an even brighter spotlight on the painful reality that not all students are being set-up for success in our nation’s college and universities. But the bold proposals included in President Biden’s American Families Plan could change that.
Join Third Way on July 28th for the next installment of our Behind the Bumper Sticker series where we’ll unpack some of the key higher ed investments in the Plan: bolstering the Pell Grant program, ensuring students can attend community college tuition-free, establishing a first-of-its kind grant program focused on retention and completion, and investing in minority-serving institutions. The conversation will feature Carrie Warick, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National College Atainment Network; Dr. Marshall Anthony, Jr., Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress; Amanda Martinez, Senior Policy Analyst, Education Policy Project, UnidosUS; Dr. Deneece Huftalin, President of Salt Lake Community College; Alexander Mayer, Director of Postsecondary Education, MDRC; Tashauna Stewart, a recent graduate from Northern Arizona University with her M.Ed.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

U.S. Department of Education and the Administration:
White House Blog: An Update from the Equitable Data Working Group

White House Fact Sheet: How the Biden-Harris Administration Is Advancing Educational Equity

White House Press Release: Remarks by President Biden Before a Meeting With Business and Labor Leaders

White House Press Release: Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans

ED Press Release: Department of Education Releases $600 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

ED Blog: We Want to Hear From You: Strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

DOL Press Release: US Department of Labor Awards $800k Grant To Provide Jobs, Workforce Training In Massachusetts Communities Affected By Opioid Crisis

DOL Blog: 7 Resources All Working Parents Should Know About

Legislative Movement in Congress Last Week:
H.R.4502 — Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] (Introduced 07/19/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Appropriations
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-96
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on H.R. 4502 would be postponed.

H.R.4698 — To prevent the use of Federal funds to advance discriminatory concepts, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (16)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

H.R.4724 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a percentage of student loan forgiveness for public service employment, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (8)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

H.R.4725 — To provide for the relief of interest on certain Federal student loans.
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

H.R.4726 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction allowed for student loan interest.
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Ways and Means
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.4727 — To provide for loan forgiveness for STEM teachers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Ways and Means; Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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.

H.R.4728 — To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours per week to 32 hours per week, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Press Release: Rep. Takano Introduces Legislation to Reduce the Standard Workweek to 32 Hours

S.2478 — A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a percentage of student loan forgiveness for public service employment, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT] (Introduced 07/27/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action: Senate – 07/27/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.3599 — Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act of 2021.
Sponsor: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17] (Introduced 05/28/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Oversight and Reform
Latest Action: House – 07/26/2021 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

H.R.4502 — Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] (Introduced 07/19/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Appropriations
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-96
Latest Action: House – 07/26/2021 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 555 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4502 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered…

H.Res.555 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4502) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] (Introduced 07/26/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Rules
Latest Action: House – 07/26/2021 Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 28.

H.R. 3115 — To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make breakfasts and lunches free for all children, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5] (Introduced 05/11/2021) Cosponsors (61)
Committees: House – Education and Labor; Science, Space, and Technology; Agriculture
Latest Action: House – 07/22/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.

H.R.4631 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reinstate the authority of the Secretary of Education to make Federal Direct Stafford Loans to graduate and professional students.
Sponsor: Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-27] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors (20)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/22/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor

H.R.4646 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for comprehensive student achievement information.
Sponsor: Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/22/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Press Release: Hayes Introduces Bill to Improve College Graduation Rate Transparency

H.R.4655 — To establish a pilot program to promote public-private partnerships among apprenticeships or other job training programs, local educational agencies or area career and technical education schools, and community colleges, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/22/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Press Release: Larsen: American WINGS Act Gives High School Students STEM Skills to Soar

H.R.4666 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modernize and improve the public service loan forgiveness program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/22/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

S.2455 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the exclusion of Pell Grants from gross income, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: Senate – Finance
Latest Action: Senate – 07/22/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Press Release: Whitehouse Introduces The Tax-Free Pell Grant Act To Make Higher Education More Affordable

S.2464 — A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, to establish a RECOMPETE grant program to provide flexible, 10-year block grants for purposes of creating quality jobs, providing resources to help local residents access opportunities and attain and retain employment, increasing local per capita income and employment rates, and supporting long-term, sustained economic growth and opportunity in persistently distressed areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher [D-DE] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Action: Senate – 07/22/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Release: Sen. Coons, Rep. Kilmer introduce legislation to spur economic growth & create jobs

S.2465 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the American Opportunity Tax Credit fully refundable, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: Senate – Finance
Latest Action: Senate – 07/22/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H.R.4600 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize institutions of higher education to limit the amount of a Federal loan that an enrolled student may borrow.
Sponsor: Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6] (Introduced 07/21/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House – Education and Labor
Latest Action: House – 07/21/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Federal Education Training and Grant Opportunities, Notices:
ED Comment Request: National Implementation Study of Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV, Part A). Comments are due on or before September 24, 2021.

ED Request for Information: Regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Comments are due on or before September 24, 2021.

ED Comment Request: Consolidated Annual Report for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. Comments due on or before September 21, 2021. 

HHS Comment Request: Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships Sustainability Study. Comments due within 30 days. 

HHS Comment Request: American Rescue Plan (ARP) Stabilization Grants Provider-Level Data. Comments due within 60 days. 

Children and Families Administration Comment Request: Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey 2022 (Baby FACES 2022) (OMB #0970-0354). Comments due within 60 days of publication.

Children and Families Administration Comment Request: National Survey of Early Care and Education COVID-19 Follow-Up (OMB #0970-0391). Comments due within 60 days of publication.