Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.

Dear Colleagues,

With the government reopening after the longest shutdown in history, Congress will quickly get back to work on finalizing appropriations bills for the agencies covered under the continuing resolution (CR) that lasts until January 30 (see story below for more details).

The Senate is considering moving the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education appropriations bill soon, which gives us an opportunity to reinforce support for the funding levels included in the bill. The Senate provides level funding for all student aid and higher education programs to ensure low-income students have access and support for pursuing their higher education goals.

As we’ve previously reported, despite the shutdown the Department of Education moved forward with efforts to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Last week, the Department wrapped up its first round of negotiated rulemaking, which covered a wide range of reforms to the federal student aid system (see story below for more details). 

Now, the Department is preparing for the next negotiated rulemaking session on accountability, which will start after Thanksgiving. This rulemaking session, dubbed the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee, will discuss institutional and programmatic accountability measures, such as the new “do no harm” framework from the reconciliation bill, Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment, and Workforce Pell Grants. The first session will meet the week of December 8, and the second session will meet the week of January 5, 2026.

In addition to the stories referenced above, this week’s Washington Update also reports on a new round of FIPSE grants that will be awarded later this year.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend,

Regards

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU