Congress was out of session last week, but that did not mean that it was a slow week in DC. There was continued focus on the Administration’s budget release, and continued negotiations on infrastructure dominated most of the week. A number of proposals were discussed, however, there has yet to be any consensus between the Administration and Republicans in Congress. Here are a few other notes from last week:
- Democrats Introduce Highway Bill: On Friday, House Democrats introduced a five-year, $547 billion highway bill that would potentially be included into the ongoing infrastructure talks. The bill would boost funding to projects to fix bridges and roads, increase funding for rail systems and build electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and contains a few workforce development-related provisions. This could become the foundation of a broader infrastructure proposal in the House, depending on the progress of negotiations.
- Department of Education Releases COVID-19 Handbook for Higher Education: On Friday, the Department of Education released the third volume of their COVID-19 handbook, Strategies for Safe Operation and Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education Students, Faculty, and Staff. This latest volume provides strategies for higher education institutions to safely and equitably reopen institutions for in-person learning. The Handbook highlights ways to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campuses, as well as strategies to utilize relief bill funding for student needs, boost vaccination efforts and address inequities brought on by the pandemic.
- Department of Education Launches COVID-19 College Challenge: The Department of Education announced details on the COVID-19 College Challenge, a challenge intended to encourage postsecondary institutions to get students, faculty and staff vaccinated. This move is part of President Biden’s goal of getting 70% of the U.S. population vaccinated by July 4th. In addition, efforts are underway to establish vaccine clinics on community college campuses.
- Senators Request Update on Student Loan Repayment Freeze: Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), the ranking members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and House Education and Labor Committee, sent a letter to Education Secretary Cardona requesting and update on the Department of Education’s plan to transition student loan borrowers from the repayment freeze in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic to an active repayment status. The committee members urged the Department not to continue the payment freeze.
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