Federal Update - December 3

December 3, 2025

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Funding Talks Stall: Congress Shows Little Urgency Post-Shutdown 

Republican Margin Tightens: Greene Departure Adds Pressure 

AHEAD Committee Convenes: ED Set to Launch Key Accountability Talks 

BACK TO FUNDING INERTIA ON CAPITOL HILL

What You Need to Know 

Despite the longest government shutdown in US history, Congress has made little progress on passing the nine remaining appropriations bills needed to fund the government beyond January 30. While there have been discussions in the Senate for weeks about a potential “minibus” package—including Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, and several other bills—formal consideration has yet to begin. With the holiday recess approaching, consensus remains elusive. 

Why This Is Important 

Even if the Senate advances a package, the House is unlikely to act before January and is expected to push for changes. The House Appropriations Committee has proposed funding levels aligned with the President’s agenda, creating a sharp contrast with the Senate’s bipartisan approach. Failure to pass and sign these bills by January 30 could trigger a partial shutdown that could again include ED. 

HOUSE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY NARROWS

What You Need to Know  

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced she will resign from Congress on January 5 following public criticism of various Trump Administration policies. Once a close ally, President Trump labeled her a “traitor.” Her departure will temporarily reduce the GOP majority to a single vote until a special election fills the seat in mid-February. 

Why This Is Important  

The razor-thin majority heightens risk for Republicans if additional resignations or vacancies occur. Democrats, who faced several vacancies due to deaths earlier this year, have nearly completed their special elections. Meanwhile, Republican Matt Van Epps won a special election in Tennessee yesterday in a closer than expected result, despite the district’s strong Trump lean, signaling potential electoral vulnerability for the GOP. 

AHEAD NEG REG BEGINS NEXT WEEK

What You Need to Know 

The Department will convene the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) negotiated rulemaking next week. The committee will meet on December 8–12 and January 5–9. Jeff Arthur, Chief Regulatory Officer at ECPI University, has been appointed to serve as the primary negotiator representing proprietary institutions. Ryan Claybaugh, Chief Operating Officer of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, has been appointed to serve as the alternate negotiator for proprietary institutions. Aaron Lacey, co-chair of Thompson Coburn’s higher education practice group, will represent private nonprofit institutions. 

Why This is Important 

The AHEAD committee is expected to address, among other topics, the future of FVT/GE, the new Do No Harm accountability framework, and Workforce Pell. AACS will remain actively engaged throughout the process to ensure member interests are represented.

For More Information

If you have any questions about this Update, please email info@myaacs.org.