EducationCounsel - E-Update for February, 18, 2025 (2025)

The information covered below is from January 31, 2025, through February 13, 2025. This E-Update does not feature information from Friday, February 14, notably a Dear Colleague Letter from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. We will circulate information regarding actions that took place over President’s Day weekend later this week and in our next E-Update.

Highlights:

• On February 13, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education.
• On February 10, the U.S. Department of Education terminated contracts from the Institute for Education Sciences, the independent, non-partisan statistics, research, and evaluation arm of the Department.
• On February 13, the full Senate approved the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 52-48.
• On February 12, the Senate and House Budget Committees voted along party lines to advance separate budget resolutions.

Administration:

White House:

President Trump issues a series of Executive Orders impacting education: As of February 13, President Trump has issued a series of Executive Orders (EOs) that impact education and related areas. The most recent Executive Orders, include, but are not limited to:

• “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which interprets Title IX to prohibit transgender girls and women from participating in girls’/women’s sports.
• “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias,” which establishes a task force to address “anti-Christian bias” in the federal government and in private conduct.
• “Implementing The President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative,” which requires agencies to terminate potentially thousands of federal workers and work in consultation with DOGE representatives in developing a hiring plan.

For more information on the most recent Executive Orders, please read EducationCounsel’s Summary and Analysis here.

U.S. Department of Education (USED):

U.S. Department of Education (USED) cancels contracts and grants for Institute for Education Sciences: On February 10, the USED terminated contracts from the Institute for Education Sciences (IES), the independent, non-partisan statistics, research, and evaluation arm of the Department. The Department has not released a statement on the cuts, but according to posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, from the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was established through Executive Order but is not an official Department, the USED “terminated 29 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training grants totaling $101mm” and “89 contracts worth $881mm.” According to IES employees that spoke with NPR, “one shuttered program was already underway in classrooms — to study ways to help students nationwide make up for ground they've lost in math…students in multiple states were already working with high-quality, adaptive digital tools. Now, with the cancellation of that contract, the study will be cut short, and the learning tools could soon be removed from classrooms.” Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray, who is a former preschool teacher and was previously Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued a statement on the cuts, calling out Elon Musk, who is leading DOGE, “an unelected billionaire is now bulldozing the research arm of the Department of Education—taking a wrecking ball to high-quality research and basic data we need to improve our public schools. Cutting off these investments after the contract has already been inked is the definition of wasteful.”

On February 13, the USED announced the cancelation of more than $350 million in contracts and grants to Regional Educational Laboratories and Equity Assistance Centers. Specifically, ten grants totaling $336 million for the Regional Educational Laboratories were terminated after the “review of the contracts uncovered wasteful and ideologically driven spending not in the interest of students and taxpayers.” Additionally, four grants totaling $33 million for the Equity Assistance Centers were terminated, which the Department stated, “supported divisive training in DEI, Critical Race Theory, and gender identity for state and local education agencies as well as school boards.”

USED announces enforcement of Title IX rule on the basis of biological sex: On January 31, the USED sent a Dear Colleague letter to K-12 schools and institutions of higher education stating that the Department’s Office for Civil Rights will enforce the Trump Administration’s 2020 Title IX rule, including protections on the basis of biological sex in schools and on campuses. The announcement notes that enforcing the 2020 rule “ends a serious threat to campus free speech and ensures much stronger due process protections for students during Title IX proceedings.” The action follows a January 8 ruling by Judge Danny Reeves of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky blocking the Biden Administration’s updated Title IX regulations for three primary reasons: that the Department exceeded its statutory authority; the final rule violates the Constitution, specifically the First Amendment and the Spending Clause; and the final rule is considered arbitrary and capricious. The case was first brought by Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, which collectively argued that “the Final Rule[s]…are invalid because the Department exceeded its lawful authority in implementing them and because they are otherwise contrary to law.” The final ruling blocks the final rules from implementation nationwide.

Following the January 31 Dear Colleague letter, the USED announced investigations into multiple postsecondary institutions and athletics associations, alleging violations of Title IX. Specifically, the investigations at San Jose State University and University of Pennsylvania cite specific athletes and teams that allege violations of Title IX, asserting that the institutions allow, in their claim, “male athletes” to compete on women’s teams. Investigations of three high school-level athletics associations - the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) - state that the associations plan to violate federal antidiscrimination laws, as they intend to “abide by state law as it relates to girls’ and women’s sports in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws.”

Separately, on February 11, the USED sent a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) “urging them to restore to female athletes the records, titles, awards, and recognitions misappropriated by biological males competing in female categories.”

USED announces reversal of two Biden-era information collections on Career and Technical (CTE) programs: On February 10, the USED announced it would reverse two information collections under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V), stating it would have “piled on thousands of hours in additional reporting compliance requirements on states, high schools, and community colleges.” Among other changes, the information collections would have required states to provide additional information on the quality and scope of certain CTE programs. Citing a letter from CTE organizations, the Department stated that it would begin the process of reversing both the information collections, reinstate the prior versions, and communicate the change to state CTE directors. House Education and Workforce Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued a statement in support of the reversal, noting, “I’m glad to see the Trump administration is listening to the concerns from our Committee and CTE programs. Bottom line, our education system needs less bureaucracy.”

USED updates FAFSA forms to reflect changes mandated by President Trump’s Executive Order on gender: On February 4, the USED announced an information collection regarding changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to align with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism,” which establishes a federal policy that “recognizes only two immutable biologically-determined sexes.” Specifically, Question 11 has been updated to “What is the student’s sex?” and the “Nonbinary” and “Prefer not to answer” response options have been removed. Question 12 has been consolidated so the separate question asking if the student is of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin has been removed. “Hispanic or Latino” and “Middle Eastern or North African” have been added as categories to the revised “What is the student’s race and/or ethnicity?” question along with options to select the specific country of origin. In addition, the list of response options has been reordered, and some countries of origin have been updated. The public can make comments to the changes here before April 7, 2025.

USED withdraws of notices inviting applications for charter school programs: On January 21, the USED withdrew two notices inviting applications (NIAs) for the State Entity Charter School Grant Program and the Charter Management Organization Grant Program. The State Entity Charter School Grant Program is authorized through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and supports states in conducting charter school subgrant programs. The Charter Management Organization Grant Program aims to increase the number of high-quality charter schools and expand opportunities for traditionally-underserved students to attend charter schools. The announcement from the USED stated that the withdrawal took place in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order on expanding school choice, and stated that the NIAs were “burdensome and misaligned.” The Department added that the revised NIAs “will have a more streamlined application process and evaluate applicants based on alignment with President Trump’s commitment to expanding high-quality charter schools, reducing federal micromanagement, eliminating ideological overreach, and empowering families with greater educational choice.”

USED announces investigations in antisemitism at five postsecondary institutions: On February 3, the USED announced it would investigate five postsecondary institutions “where widespread antisemitic harassment has been reported:” Columbia University, Northwestern University, Portland State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. The USED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will open the investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects students from discrimination and harassment based on national origin, including shared ancestry. Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights stated in the announcement that “the Department is putting universities, colleges, and K-12 schools on notice: this administration will not tolerate continued institutional indifference to the wellbeing of Jewish students on American campuses, nor will it stand by idly if universities fail to combat Jew hatred and the unlawful harassment and violence it animates.”

Personnel:

Senate HELP Committee considers the nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education: On February 13, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing for Linda McMahon’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Education (USED).

President Trump first nominated McMahon on November 19, 2024, after McMahon served as the Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Transition Team. Previously, McMahon served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the first Trump Administration until 2019 when she stepped down to help lead the America First Action, a Super PAC (Political Action Committee). She then helped found the America First Policy Institute, which provided support in the development of the education platform for President-elect Trump’s 2024 campaign, as well as playing a role in the drafting of the Trump’s Administration’s education agenda. The AFPI has advocated for broad expansion of school choice programs and “parental rights” for school curriculum decisions, among other positions.

McMahon’s previous education experience includes serving on the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2009, serving a year before stepping down. She has also served on the Board of Trustees at Sacred Heart University, a private, Catholic university in Connecticut. McMahon has expressed support for school choice initiatives, including support of charter schools and the use of public funds to attend private schools. McMahon, who served as CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE, has also been supportive of apprenticeship programs and expanding Pell Grant eligibility to short-term training programs.

In her opening statement for her hearing, McMahon affirmed her support for President Trump’s campaign commitments to “make American education the best in the world, return education to the states where it belongs, and free American students from the education bureaucracy through school choice.” She argued that, “Unfortunately, many Americans today are experiencing a system in decline. The latest scores from the Nation’s Report Card show achievement in K-12 math and reading at their lowest levels since 1971, the first year of testing.” McMahon referred to the importance of “teaching basic reading and mathematics” and that teachers, she claimed, are “tired of political ideology in their curriculum and red tape on their desks.”

Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA), in his remarks, said to McMahon, “You have enormous challenges before you. At the K-12 level, students who were behind before the pandemic are even further behind now. Colleges and universities are not preparing students to succeed in the modern workforce [and] the costs of higher education are quickly outpacing the value of the degree students receive.” In his remarks, Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) spoke about a number of issues, including lamenting the average teacher salary in states across the country and the impact on education.

In response to many questions, including from Chair Cassidy, about an Executive Order expected soon to call for dismantling the USED, McMahon said, “President Trump understands that we will be working with Congress. We'd like to do this right. We'd like to make sure that we are presenting a plan that I think our senators could get on board with, and our Congress to get on board with.” But, she argued, “It’s not the president’s goal to defund the programs, only to have it operate more efficiently.”

A number of Democratic Senators asked about the recent federal funding freeze, the firing of staff, and the elimination of contracts at the Institute of Educational Sciences, an independent research arm of the USED. McMahon responded only that Title I funds for low-income school districts and IDEA funds for students with disabilities would continue and that the Administration was “not looking to defund or reduce any of those amounts.”

The nomination hearing covered a wide range of issues, including Title IX regulations, enforcement of civil rights protections for students, school choice and other voucher programs, efforts to promote diversity and equity, and addressing antisemitism on college campuses. There was notable bipartisan support for career and technical education and ensuring students are prepared for the workforce.

Senate confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): On February 13, the full Senate approved the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead HHS by a vote of 52-48. Former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined all Democratic senators in opposing the nomination. Every other Republican senator, including HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who expressed concerns about Kennedy’s views on a range of issues, including vaccinations, voted to confirm him. In a statement following the vote, Senator McConnell said, “This Administration – led by the same President who delivered a medical miracle with Project Warp Speed – deserves a leader who is willing to acknowledge without qualification the efficacy of life-saving vaccines and who can demonstrate an understanding of basic elements of the U.S. healthcare system. Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency.”

Senate confirms Russ Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): On February 6, the Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Russ Vought as Director of the OMB. The Senate Budget Committee previously voted 11-0 on January 30 to advance Vought’s nomination; all Committee Republicans advanced Vought’s nomination, while Committee Democrats boycotted the committee vote. Mr. Vought previously served as Director of OMB during the first Trump Administration, from 2020 to 2021, prior to which he was Acting Director and Deputy Director of the OMB.

President Trump announces new appointees for USED: On February 12, the USED announced new sub-cabinet nominations:

• Nicholas Kent was nominated for Under Secretary of Education. Mr. Kent currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Education for the State of Virginia, and previously worked at Career Education Colleges and Universities, which represents for-profit colleges.
• Jennifer Mascott was nominated for General Counsel. Ms. Mascott is a tenured associate professor of law at Catholic University and was previously assistant professor of law at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. Ms. Mascott has also served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel, Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, and has clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas and then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
• Kimberly Richey was nominated Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Ms. Richey is a teacher and an attorney who previously served in roles at the U.S. Department of Education from 2004-2009 under the George W. Bush administration and more recently under the Trump Administration from 2017-2021. Ms. Richey has also served in education leadership roles at the Oklahoma, Virginia, and Florida departments of education, and has consulted for various organizations, including Parents Defending Education.
• Kirsten Baesler was nominated for Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Ms. Baesler is currently North Dakota Superintendent of Schools and has served the role since 2012. Ms. Baesler was previously a teacher and vice principal for Bismarck Public Schools and served nine years on the Mandan School Board.
• Kevin O’Farrell was nominated for Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education. Dr. O’Farrell currently serves as the Chancellor for the Division of Career and Adult Education for the Florida Department of Education. Dr. O’Farrell has served in various education leadership over the past 18 years, including as an instructor, executive administrator, and state leader.
• Mary Christine Riley was nominated for Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Ms. Riley most recently served as Professional Staff for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce under then-Chairwoman Virginia Foxx. Ms. Riley as served in the first Trump Administration as Senior Advisor in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education.

On February 6, the Trump Administration announced the following appointees for the USED:

• James Bergeron was appointed Deputy Under Secretary. Mr. Bergeron recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Higher Education Resources, and previously worked as the Director of Education and Human Services Policy for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce. In his role in the House, Mr. Bergeron developed and managed the committee’s legislative agenda, including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.
• Julie Hartman was appointed Senior Advisor for the Office of Communications and Outreach. Ms. Hartman most recently worked with Dennis Prager, a conservative talk radio host and founder of PragerU, which produces conservative-leaning curriculum, and guest-hosted The Dennis Prager Show and The Mike Gallagher Show.
• Amber Mariano Davis was appointed Policy Advisor in the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. Most recently, Ms. Mariano Davis served as Director of State Government Affairs at Code.org and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives, serving three terms and chaired the Postsecondary and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee.
• Savannah Newhouse was appointed Special Assistant in the Office of Communications and Outreach. Ms. Newhouse most recently served as Communications Director for Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and was previously Senator Blackburn’s Press Secretary and Digital Director.
• Isaac Hampton was appointed Special Assistant on Higher Education in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Mr. Hampton most recently worked as the Regional Election Integrity Director for the Montana GOP during the 2024 election, and previously served as a Legislative Assistant in the Missouri House of Representatives.
• Nicholas Stone was appointed Special Assistant on K-12 in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Mr. Stone most recently served on the Trump-Vance 60th Presidential Inaugural Committee, and previously served as a Regional Field Director for the Trump campaign.

President Trump fires Board of four military academies: On February 10, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he “ordered the immediate dismissal of the Board of Visitors for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard,” stating that the Academies had been “infiltrated by Woke Leftist Ideologues.” The White House did not post further information on who would be appointed to the board.

Congress:

Senate and House Budget Committees advance separate budget resolutions: On February 12, the Senate Budget Committee voted 11-10 along party lines to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Senate budget resolution focused on “securing the border, revitalizing the military, [and] increasing energy production.” The package proposes increased annual spending of $85.5 billion over four years for a total of $342 billion. The Senate budget resolution provides instructions to the House Education and Workforce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, among other committees, to report back to the Budget Committee by March 7 with recommendations to reduce the deficit by “not less than” $1 billion annually over 10 years for a total of $10 billion. Additionally, the bill allows for an increase of “not more than” $150 billion for defense spending and $175 billion for border security. In a statement following the vote, Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-SC) stated, “By sending this resolution to the floor, the Senate Budget Committee has started the process of delivering the resources that President Trump’s team needs to implement his agenda.” This is the first step in a two-part strategy in the Senate with another budget resolution possible to be considered later in the year that would focus on tax cut extensions and reform.

On February 13, the House Budget Committee held a markup and advanced, on a 21-16 party line vote, a budget resolution which calls for $4.5 trillion in increased spending to allow for extension of tax cuts within the jurisdiction of the House Ways and Means Committee. The resolution would also call for a reduction in spending of $1.5 trillion, including reductions of $330 billion over 10 years within the jurisdiction of the House Education and Workforce Committee, $230 billion over 10 years within the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee, and $880 billion from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which holds jurisdiction over Medicaid. The resolution would increase the debt limit by $4 billion. The committees must submit reports with the recommendations by March 27, 2025. House and Senate Republican leaders have yet to agree on a path forward.

Pell Grants have a unique funding structure in that the program functions as an entitlement, with eligible students entitled to a grant. However, unlike other entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security, Pell Grants are funded through both mandatory (funding levels set by law) and discretionary funding (funding levels determined annually through appropriations legislation). The federal government is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution at last year’s funding levels, as Congressional leaders attempt to determine funding levels, including for the Pell Grant, for the current fiscal year. The current resolution expires on March 14, 2025.

Senate:

Senate HELP Committee announces new subcommittee assignments for the current Congress: On February 12, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced new subcommittee assignments and the renaming of subcommittees, for the 119th Congress. The new Education and the American Family subcommittee will be chaired by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), with newly-elected Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) serving as ranking member. The Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee will be led by Chair Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Ranking Member John Hickenlooper (D-CO). The new Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee will be led by Chair Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Ranking Member Ed Markey (D-MA). The HELP Committee will have several recently-elected members this Congress, in addition to Senator Blunt Rochester. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Jim Banks (R-IN), along with newly-appointed Senators Jon Husted (R-OH) and Ashley Moody (R-FL).

Senate Commerce Committee advances bipartisan bills on rural broadband and children’s social media use: On February 5, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced 17 bipartisan bills, including S. 98, “Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025,” and S. 278, “Kids Off Social Media Act.” S.98 would require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a vetting process for prospective applicants for high-cost Universal Service program funding. S. 278 aims to protect kids from the harmful impacts of social media by setting a minimum age to use social media platforms at 13 and prevent social media companies from using algorithms to feed addictive content to users under the age of 17. Additionally, the bill would stop taxpayers from funding tools that allow kids to doomscroll in their classrooms by blocking social media and other harmful content on federally-funded school networks and devices.

Senate Commerce Committee releases database on “DEI project” at the National Science Foundation (NSF): On February 11, the Senate Commerce Committee released a database on National Science Foundation (NSF) awards that Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) asserted “was diverted toward questionable projects that promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).” The database identifies over 3,400 grants, totaling more than $2.05 billion in federal funding awarded by the NSF, over which Chair Cruz “requested significant scrutiny” in accordance with President Trump’s anti-DEI Executive Orders. Chair Cruz stated, “DEI initiatives have poisoned research efforts, eroded confidence in the scientific community, and fueled division among Americans. I am proud to release our investigation’s database, which exposes how the Biden administration weaponized federal agencies to push a far-left ideology.”

Senate Small Business Committee advances bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing child care costs: On February 5, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship passed S. 273, the “Small Business Child Care Investment Act,” legislation sponsored by Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The legislation aims to reduce child care costs and increase the availability of affordable, high-quality child care options by allowing non-profit child care providers, including religious organizations, to participate in and have equal access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, allowing providers to invest in and expand their operations. Companion legislation in the House of Representatives has not been introduced, and the full Senate has yet to schedule a time to consider this legislation.

House:

House Education and Workforce Committee advances five bills legislation on foreign influence in K-12 education: On February 12, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a markup and advanced five bills, primarily focused on limiting foreign influence in American classrooms. In his opening statement, Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) shared that the bills would “enhance the safety and health of America’s students,” asserting that “Chinese Communist Party influence in American classrooms is pervasive across all levels of education.” Conversely, Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) criticized Republican leadership’s focus on foreign influence while Republican members “have either been silent or are actively supporting the dismantling of the Department of Education,” adding, “There’s no plan to improve academic achievement.” Specifically, the bills that advanced were:

• H.R. 1048, the DETERRENT Act, which advanced by a vote of 20-14, clarifies foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities, reducing foreign gift reporting requirements from $250,000 to $50,000, and requirements for countries of concern are further reduced to $0.
• H.R. 1069, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, which advanced by a vote of 21-13, prohibits federal education funds from being given to any elementary school or secondary school that directly or indirectly receives support from the Chinese Communist Party.
• H.R. 1005, the CLASS Act, which advanced by a vote of 20-14, requires school districts to disclose to the Secretary of Education within 30 days any instance of them receiving funding or entering into a contract with a foreign source.
• H.R. 1049, the TRACE Act, which advanced by a vote of 20-13, establishes that parents have the right to know about donations, financial transactions, and classroom materials from foreign countries or foreign entities of concern.
• H.R. 649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, advanced by a vote of 24-10, would ensure students’ access to a variety of milk options and that the milk provided to students is not coming from Chinese Communist Party-owned enterprises.

House Education and Workforce Committee holds hearing on state of American education: On February 5, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing titled, “The State of American Education.” The hearing focused on a wide range of topics affecting K-12 and higher education, including the proposed elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, school choice, parent engagement, and how education can better prepare students for the workforce. The committee heard from four witnesses: Mrs. Nicole Neily, President of Parents Defending Education; Dr. Preston Cooper, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Mrs. Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund; and Mr. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee Tim Walberg (R-MI) opened the hearing citing recently-released NAEP scores, emphasizing “that students have still not recovered from the pandemic,” as scores in both 4th and 8th grade reading and math are lower than student achievement in 2019. Chair Walberg attributed, in his view, one reason for the lack of progress as a result of “lost focus on teaching core skills,” and instead “on teaching divisive ideologies,” referencing “DEI grants” that the Biden-Harris Administration awarded. Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) opened his introductory remarks addressing the “elephant in the room…current reporting that President Trump plans to issue an executive order to eliminate critical programs at the Department of Education and call on Congress to eliminate the entire department.” Ranking Member Scott noted that, “According to polls, the majority of voters oppose the abolition of the Department of Education.” Turning to K-12 education, Ranking Member Scott also raised in his opening statement the decline in NAEP scores, however, called attention to the Republican focus on “proposals that will only create more challenges for students,” including new legislation on transgender youth and “misrepresent[ation] of programs intended to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion as a problem in education.”

During the hearing, Committee members asked a variety of questions about K-12 and higher education, ranging from topics such as workforce preparedness and parent engagement. Republican members were interested in expanding access to school choice, foreign influence in education, and the sources of increases in college costs. Democratic members emphasized the importance of strengthening public schools and the services and protections provided through the U.S. Department of Education, as well as the importance of diversity. Additionally, Committee members of both parties asked questions and expressed support for reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which was passed in the House in April 2024 but not ultimately passed in the Senate.

U.S. Courts:

Note: There have been a number of court cases filed regarding President Trump’s Executive Actions. The cases described below are not comprehensive of the suits filed, rather, are the cases most related to education.

University of California Student Association files lawsuit to prevent the DOGE from accessing student loan data: On February 7, the University of California Student Association filed a lawsuit against the USED, claiming that the DOGE’s actions in accessing student loan data violate the Privacy Act of 1974, as well as the USED’s regulations, among other counts. The lawsuit follows reports that DOGE representatives were at the Department of Education building and accessing students’ private information. On February 11, an agreement was made that temporarily bars DOGE officials from accessing multiple databases and systems within the USED, including the National Student Loan Data System, until February 17. According to POLITICO, D.C. District Court Judge Randolph Moss will hold a hearing on February 14 regarding a restraining order “blocking DOGE from accessing” these databases.

Association of higher education diversity officers has filed suit against Trump anti-DEI Executive Orders: On February 3, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and other groups filed suit against President Trump and multiple federal agencies - including the USED - given their implementation of the anti-DEI Executive Orders titled, “Ending Radical Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” The AAUP argues that “Trump's orders exceed his legal authority, are overly vague, and fail to define such terms as ‘DEI,’ ‘equity,’ and ‘illegal DEIA.’” The lawsuit states, “In his crusade to erase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility from our country, President Trump cannot usurp Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, nor can he silence those who disagree with him by threatening them with the loss of federal funds and other enforcement actions.” A hearing on the case has yet to be scheduled.

Upcoming Events (Congress & Administration):

• On February 20, the Senate HELP Committee will hold an Executive Session on the nomination of Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education. More information is here.
• On February 19 and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) will hold advisory meetings. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a review of compliance reports submitted by the following agencies: American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education; Accrediting Council for Pharmacy Education; Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools; and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. In addition to its review of accrediting agencies and state approval agencies for Secretarial recognition, there will be time for Committee discussions regarding any of the categories within NACIQI's statutory authority in its capacity as an advisory committee. Committee members will meet in-person while agency representatives and public attendees will participate virtually. Public attendees may register for the meeting virtually here.
• On February 19 at 10:00 a.m., the Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing to consider the nomination of Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer to serve as Secretary of Labor. The hearing will be held in 216 Hart Senate Office Building and livestreamed here.
• On February 19 at 10:15 a.m., the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled, “Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.” Witnesses have not yet been announced. The hearing will be held in 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building and livestreamed here.

Upcoming Events (Outside Organizations):

• On February 17 at 2:00 p.m., the Hunt Institute will host a webinar titled, “HBCUs: Building a Pathway to a Diverse Educator Workforce.” The webinar will explore how HBCUs are innovating teacher preparation, overcoming challenges, and driving systemic change in education to better serve diverse populations. More information and registration are here.
• On February 18 at 4:30 p.m., the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will host an event titled, “Restoring Faith in Elite Higher Education: A Conversation with Frederick M. Hess and Michael A. Elliott.” The conversation will address recent critiques on elite colleges’ language, norms, and assumptions. AEI’s Frederick M. Hess and Michael A. Elliott, president of Amherst College, will consider how to renew a focus on open dialogue, diverse viewpoints, and academic excellence in higher education. More information and registration are here.
• On February 19 at 9:30 a.m., the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) and AEI will host a briefing titled, “Securing our Competitive Edge: Education and Innovation for a Stronger America.” The briefing will focus on the federal, state, and district roles in incentivizing career-connected learning opportunities and highlight the importance of strengthening the education R&D infrastructure to develop innovative, evidence-based approaches that uplift student pathways into high-demand careers. Registration is here.
• On February 19 at 4:00 p.m., the R Street Institute will host an in-person event titled, “What’s Ahead for the Expiring Child Tax Credit (CTC)?” Representatives from the R Street Institute and a panel of experts will discuss the merits and drawbacks of recent CTC proposals, how to improve the credit, and ways in which such programs affect childhood poverty. The conversation will be moderated by Courtney Joslin, Resident Fellow and Senior Manager of the Project for Women and Families at the R Street Institute and speakers include: Jacob Bastian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Rutgers University; Alex Durante, Senior Economist at the Tax Foundation; and Timothy P. Carney, Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute. More information and registration are here.
• On February 20 at 2:00 p.m., Chiefs for Change will host a webinar titled, “Insights from NAEP’s Top Performers.” Education leaders will examine the latest NAEP results to highlight strategies that drive excellence. Featuring district leaders from high-performing systems, this session will provide insights into best practices and innovations that contributed to student success. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Christina Grant, Executive Director of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and Former District of Columbia State Superintendent, and feature Pedro Martinez, CEO of Chicago Public Schools and Dr. Avis Williams, Former Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools. More information and registration are here.
• On February 21 at 3:00 p.m., the Learning Policy Institute and the Spencer Foundation will co-host a webinar titled, “Brown at 70: The Unfinished Journey Toward Educational Equity.” Speakers will consider the progress made in the 70 years since the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, as well as further strategies that can advance opportunities for all students. The webinar, subtitled “Has Desegregation Worked?,” is part of a series taking place through March to cover the work done since Brown. Speakers include: Ary Amerikaner, Brown’s Promise; Adam Clark, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Linda Darling-Hammond, Learning Policy Institute; Gary Orfield, University of California, Los Angeles; and Maisha Winn, Stanford University Excellence in Learning Graduate School of Education Professor. More information and registration are here.

Publications (Congress & Administration):

• On January 30, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report titled, “Education’s Priorities in Discretionary Grantmaking.” When applying for USED grants applicants can increase their chances of success by addressing priorities. This report found that USED announced department-wide priorities 15 times between November 2001 and December 2021. It also found that between 2001 and 2024 within the three largest discretionary grant programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the number of priorities per grant announcement ranged from 0 to 10.
• On January 31, the GAO released a report titled, “Higher Education: College Student Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care.” The college officials interviewed for the report said that students face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive services on campus. To address this the selected college took actions such as holding on-campus educational events, using health educators to share information, and implementing measures to enhance privacy at their student health center.

Publications (Outside Organizations):

• On January 25, the Albert Shanker Institute released a report titled, “Does Money Matter in Education?” The report provides a review of research on the effect of K-12 school funding on student outcomes. The overwhelming bulk of studies reviewed through the study show that the infusion of additional money into schools leads to improved academic achievement and outcomes for students later in life. Additionally, the report cites a number of studies linking funding cuts to a decline in student outcomes.
• On January 28, the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) published a new report titled, “Funding Student Needs: A Review of State Funding Policies for English Learners and Students From Low-Income Backgrounds.” The analysis sought to assess whether states adequately fund schools based on their students’ needs for English learners and students from low-Income backgrounds. LPI found that 49 states provided separate, additional funding for students who are English learners, 44 states provided unique funding for “at-risk” students, and 37 states provide dual funding for students who are both English learners and from low-income backgrounds.
• On February 4, the LPI published a new brief titled, “In Debt: Student Loan Burdens Among Teachers.” The brief addresses the ways in which student loan burdens may contribute to teacher shortages by disincentivizing entry into the profession, dissuading teachers from seeking additional certification, or increasing attrition. LPI connects research to state policy recommendations to address teachers’ student loan burdens and strengthen the educator workforce.
• On February 13, The American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (Carnegie Foundation) released the 2025 Research Activity Designations. The release includes new methodology to designate institutions in the following categories: Research 1 (R1) - Very High Spending and Doctorate Production; Research 2 (R2) - High Spending and Doctorate Production; and Research 3 - Research Colleges and Universities (RCU). According to the new designations, there are 187 R1 institutions, 139 R2, and 218 RCU institutions.

Legislation:

Introduced in the House of Representatives:

H.R. 833

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for charitable donations to nonprofit organizations providing education scholarships to qualified elementary and secondary students.
Sponsor: Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)

H.R. 838

A bill to allow a State to submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education to combine certain funds to improve the academic achievement of students.
Sponsor: Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI)

H.R. 844

A bill to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out educational programs that include the history of peoples of African descent in the settling and founding of America, the economic and political environments that led to the development, institutionalization, and abolition of slavery and its impact on all Americans, the exploration and expansion of America, impact on and contributions to the development and enhancement of American life, United States history, literature, the economy, politics, body of laws, and culture, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH)

H.R. 847

A bill to repeal certain formula grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and use such funds to award block grants to States, except as otherwise appropriated by Congress.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN)

H.R. 860

A bill to reauthorize the Congressional Award Act.
Sponsor: Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)

H.R. 869

A bill to require full funding of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Sponsor: Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)

H.R. 881

A bill to establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on institutions of higher education that have a relationship with Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX)

H.R. 896

A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to State educational agencies for the purpose of implementing, administering, and evaluating programs that provide tutoring to students in elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ)

H.R. 899

A bill to terminate the Department of Education.
Sponsor: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)

H.R. 905

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the earned income tax credit to all taxpayers with dependents and to qualifying students, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

H.R. 925

A bill to ensure equal protection of the law, to prevent racism in the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX)

H.R. 927

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring ideological oaths or similar statements, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)

H.R. 937

A bill to limit the authority of the Secretary of Education to propose or issue regulations and executive actions.
Sponsor: Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI)

H.R. 938

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to restrict contracts with foreign countries of concern and foreign entities of concern.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC)

H.R. 939

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit kindergarten through grade 12 educational expenses to be paid from a 529 account.
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK)

H.R. 967

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow individuals who are entitled to Post-9/11 educational assistance to use such assistance to repay Federal student loans.
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Steube (R-FL)

H.R. 968

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the time limitation for the use of entitlement by certain veterans under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Steube (R-FL)

H.R. 980

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the provision of on-campus educational and vocational counseling by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)

H.R. 981

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes to approve programs of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)

H.R. 982

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of educational assistance paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to an eligible individual during the first year of a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-job training.
Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)

H.R. 983

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education offered by a public institution of higher learning that does not charge the in-State tuition rate to a veteran using certain educational assistance under title 10 of such Code, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)

H.R. 1000

A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for education and training programs and resources of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Green (R-TX)

H.R. 1002

A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs.
Sponsor: Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT)

H.R. 1005

A bill to prohibit elementary and secondary schools from accepting funds from or entering into contracts with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)

H.R. 1007

A bill to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY)

H.R. 1018

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional information in disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts from foreign sources.
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN)

H.R. 1023

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require disclosure of certain foreign investments within endowments, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)

H.R. 1033

A bill to require the Secretary of Education to establish a program to provide for antisemitism monitors at institutions of higher education.
Sponsor: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)

H.R. 1048

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)

H.R. 1049

A bill to ensure that parents are aware of foreign influence in their child’s public school, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL)

H.R. 1055

A bill to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to expand the capacity of junior or community colleges and area career and technical education schools to conduct training services, education, and outreach activities for careers in the residential construction industry.
Sponsor: Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ)

H.R. 1069

A bill to prohibit the availability of Federal education funds for elementary and secondary schools that receive direct or indirect support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.|
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK)

H.R. 1090

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certain institutions of higher education to provide notice of tuition levels for students.
Sponsor: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)

H.R. 1128

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the rate of the excise tax based on investment income of private colleges and universities and to broaden the definition of applicable educational institution by lowering the threshold with respect to aggregate fair market value per student, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY)

H.R. 1131

A bill to restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Sponsor: Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS)

H.R. 1132

A bill to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-quality workforce development programs.
Sponsor: Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)

H.R. 1151

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain postsecondary credentialing expenses as qualified higher education expenses for purposes of 529 accounts.
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA)

H.R. 1174

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that non-Federal revenue generated through certain distance education programs may be counted purposes of the non-Federal revenue requirements applicable to proprietary institutions of higher education (commonly known as the "90/10 rule").
Sponsor: Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)

H.R. 1176

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to clarify the clock hour requirements for certain eligible programs under title IV of such Act.
Sponsor: Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA)

H.R. 1183

A bill to prohibit certain discrimination against athletes on the basis of sex by State athletic associations, intercollegiate athletic associations, and covered institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)

H.R. 1185

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the implementation of curricula for training students, teachers, and school personnel to understand, recognize, prevent, and respond to signs of human trafficking and exploitation in children and youth, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL)

H.R. 1246

A bill to amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide support for facilities providing healthcare, education, child care, public safety, and other vital services in rural areas.
Sponsor: Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN)

H.R. 1271

A bill to provide additional funding for scholarships for students at 1890 institutions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. David Scott (D-GA)

H.R. 1275

A bill to direct the Surgeon General to conduct a study regarding the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools, and to establish a pilot program of awarding grants to enable certain schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices.
Sponsor: Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

H.R. 1282

A bill to prohibit Federal funding for institutions of higher education that carry out diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)

H.R. 1296

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable credit for qualified child care startup expenses.
Sponsor: Rep. Herbert Conaway (D-NJ)

H.R. 1331

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to enhance teacher and school leader quality partnership grants.
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA)

H.R. 1335

A bill to enhance the safety of elementary and secondary schools by requiring emergency response and parental notification procedures and improving the security of interior and exterior doors, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL)

H.R. 1351

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the display of the American Flag in certain federally funded elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL)

H.R. 1354

A bill to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to clarify that disparate impacts on certain populations constitute a sufficient basis for rights of action under such Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)

H.R. 1359

A bill to direct the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to conduct a study on Black history education efforts in public elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

H.J.Res. 32

A resolution expressing support for designation of the week of February 3, 2025, through February 7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week."
Sponsor: Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)

H.J.Res. 41

A resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Postsecondary Student Success Grant."
Sponsor: Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA)

H.Res. 94

A resolution expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and condemning any actions that would defund public education or weaken or dismantle the Department of Education.
Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

H.Res. 95

A resolution recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four sit-in during Black History Month.
Sponsor: Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)

H.Res. 115

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month."
Sponsor: Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA)

Introduced in the Senate:

S. 370

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish tax credits to encourage individual and corporate taxpayers to contribute to scholarships for students through eligible scholarship-granting organizations and eligible workforce training organizations, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

S. 375

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to award grants to eligible entities to establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs to assist at-risk middle school students with the transition from middle school to high school.
Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)

S. 377

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, to add a work-study program for off-campus community service at selected after-school activities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)

S. 383

A bill to extend Federal Pell Grant eligibility of certain short-term programs.
Sponsor: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)

S. 404

A bill to direct the Surgeon General to conduct a study regarding the use of mobile devices in elementary and secondary schools, and to establish a pilot program of awarding grants to enable certain schools to create a school environment free of mobile devices.
Sponsor: Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)

S. 418

A bill to prohibit contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research and to impose post-employment restrictions for participants in certain research funded by the Department, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN)

S. 437

A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and title 5, United States Code, to permit leave to care for a domestic partner, parent-in-law, or adult child, or another related individual, who has a serious health condition, and to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement and family wellness leave to participate in or attend their children's and grand children's educational and extracurricular activities or meet family care needs.
Sponsor: Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)

S. 438

A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for education and training programs and resources of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)

S. 469

A bill to restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Sponsor: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)

S. 487

A bill to expand opportunity through greater choice in education, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

S. 531

A bill to assist States in and pay for the Federal share of the cost of, defraying the cost of pre-apprenticeships or related instruction associated with qualified apprenticeship programs, and for other programs.
Sponsor: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

S. 535

A bill to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to improve access to relative caregivers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN)

S. 543

A bill to prohibit certain discrimination against athletes on the basis of sex by State athletic associations, intercollegiate athletic associations, and covered institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)

S. 558

A bill to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

S.Res. 66

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month".
Sponsor: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)

S.Res. 67

A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.
Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)