This week, the House and Senate continued to work on wrapping up legislative projects, including the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and negotiating on FY 2025 funding. Meanwhile, new committee chairs and other roles are being announced; we will share more on those soon! Several new grant opportunities have also been announced across the Departments of Labor and Transportation. Keep reading for more details.
- Rep. Tim Walberg Announced as Next Chair of House Education and Workforce Committee: The next chair of the House of Representatives' Education and Workforce Committee will be Rep. Tim Walberg, currently representing Michigan’s 5th district. ACTE will provide updates on his interests and work! Chairwoman Virginia Foxx’s tenure will conclude at the end of this Congressional session.
- Senate Majority Leader Schumer Commits to Senate Vote on Social Security Fairness Act: At a labor rally held in Washington, D.C. this week, Majority Leader Schumer committed to a floor vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset provisions that result in teachers and other public services workers in many states losing Social Security benefits. He also then filed “cloture” on the bill, setting up a potential vote in the Senate next week. It is important to continue contacting Senators on this issue, especially if you live in a state that is impacted!
- Department of Labor Awards Grants to Support Training, Job Services: The Department of Labor announced $99.3 million in grants to 71 organizations in 31 states to provide training and employment services in an effort to expand Registered Apprenticeships and prepare young workers with industry skills for quality jobs.
- FAFSA Deadline Act Signed into Law: Earlier this week, President Biden signed into law the FAFSA Deadline Act, requiring that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be published by October 1 every year, rather than the previous deadline of January 1. This happened just as the Department of Education celebrated over 1.5 million 2025-26 FAFSA completions.
- Employment and Training Administration Announced National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) Youth Grants: The Employment and Training Administration announced grant funds for eligible recipients to design customer-centered services and incorporate youth voice engagement. Eligible NFJP Career Services and Training grantees may apply by January 5.
- Department of Transportation Launches Garret A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program: The Department of Transportation announced this initiative to inspire K-12 students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Local education agencies, nonprofits, higher ed institutions, state or local government entities and transportation-related organizations can apply for grants up to $300,000 by January 10.
- Funding Opportunity with Work-Based Learning Programs: Jobs for the Future announced a new funding opportunity to support community and technical colleges in scaling programs to connect learners to paid work-based learning experiences. Community and technical colleges committed to this effort can apply by January 17.
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