The U.S. Department of Education this morning announced its intention to name two new negotiated rulemaking committees. These committees will consider issues related to the Title IV programs, including changes necessary to implement provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed on July 4. - The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee will look at potential changes to the Federal student loan programs, including loan limits and repayment plans, institutional flexibility to limit loans, and loan default issues. The RISE Committee will meet for two multi-day sessions in September/October and November.
- The Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee will focus on accountability issues, the Pell Grant program, and other aspects of the Title IV programs, including the so-called Do No Harm provision in the OBBB, Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment, and Workforce Pell eligibility. The AHEAD Committee will meet for two multi-day sessions in December and January.
As the Department develops the agenda and initial draft regulatory proposals for the committees’ consideration, it is seeking public comment and recommendations. To that end, the Department will hold a virtual public hearing on August 7, 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-4:00 pm EST. The virtual hearing is open to the public, but registration is required to observe. Registration information will be posted here. Anyone who would like to speak at the virtual hearing must send an email to negreghearing@ed.gov no later than 12:00 pm EST on July 28. The email message must include the proposed speaker’s name, general topic to be discussed, and the times during the day when the speaker would be available. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes. The Department also will accept written comments and suggestions regarding changes to the Title IV programs. Written comments must be submitted via the Federal rulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov/, under Docket ID ED-2025-0151. Commenters should include the Docket ID number at the beginning of their submission. Written comments will be accepted until August 24, assuming that the Department’s official announcement is published in the Federal Register tomorrow as planned. AACS will continue to monitor the Department’s rulemaking efforts. |
