This week’s Federal Update covers Congressionalm and Executive activities of interest in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Branch activities of interest
Floor Activity
The House and Senate are in Session this week. On September 15, the House passed H.R. 5100, a bill that would extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for one year.
FY 2026 Appropriations
On September 16, House Republican leadership released the text of a continuing resolution (CR) that extends current levels of government funding through November 21, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) seeks to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote this week. On September 17, House and Senate Democrats released their own CR proposal to fund the government through October 31, to permanently extend pandemic-era health subsidies, and to prevent the Office of Management and Budget from blocking the expenditure of funds that were already appropriated.
Hearings
On September 16, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing titled, “No More Surprises: Reforming College Pricing for Students and Families.” The Committee discussed proposals to establish financial aid offers and improvements to net price calculators, among other topics. Watch the hearing here.
On September 17, the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing titled “Opening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.” Watch the hearing here.
House Committees Release Report on University Joint Institutes with China
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the House Education and Workforce Committee issued a report titled, “Joint Institutes, Divided Loyalties.” The report calls for an end to all U.S. university joint institutes with China, arguing that the CCP exploits U.S. universities through academic collaborations. Read the report here.
Bills Introduced
The Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act (H.R. 5399) was introduced by Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA). It would create a grant program for Minority-Serving Institutions to expand their arts education programs. Read the press release here. Read the bill here.
The College Students Continuation of Mental Health Care Act (H.R. 5357) was introduced by Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE). The bill would allow students to continue to receive mental health care services via telehealth from their college when they are off campus or out of state. Read the press release here. Read the bill here.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Artificial Intelligence Education Act of 2025 (H.R. 5351) was introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA). The bill would authorize the NSF to award scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who pursue studies in AI, especially as it relates to education, agriculture, and manufacturing. The bill creates eight regional Centers of AI Excellence to serve rural and otherwise underserved communities. Read the press release here. Read the bill here.
Executive Branch activities of interest
Department of Education Releases Patriotic Education Supplemental Priority
On September 17, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced a new proposed supplemental priority for the Department of Education’s (ED) discretionary grants: prioritizing patriotic education. According to the Department’s press release, the new priority will be used in grant competitions to “promote a civic education that teaches American history, values, and geography with an unbiased approach.” A Notice of Proposed Priority (NPP) for patriotic education has been published in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. Read the press release here.