Federal Update - July 30

July 30, 2025

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Congress Heads Into August Recess: Prepares for fall funding fight.  

ED Announces Two Rulemaking Committees: RISE and AHEAD panels to tackle OBBA implementation. 

CONGRESS PREPARES TO LEAVE TOWN

What You Need to Know 

The Senate is set to adjourn this week for its traditional August recess. In its final days, the chamber is working to confirm remaining Trump Administration nominees, though more than 140 positions remain unconfirmed. Due to Democratic opposition and procedural rules, each confirmation requires significant floor time. On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will also mark up the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. While unlikely to be enacted as written, the bill is expected to be relatively bipartisan and could serve as a framework for a year-end funding deal.  

Why This Is Important  

When Congress returns after Labor Day, it will face a critical deadline: the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30. Lawmakers must reach a bipartisan agreement to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. The outcome of these negotiations will shape federal education funding and other key priorities heading into the fall. 

ED ANNOUNCES RULEMAKING COMMITTEES

What You Need to Know  

ED announced plans to convene two new negotiated rulemaking committees to address Title IV changes, including those required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4. The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee will focus on student loan issues such as loan limits, repayment plans, institutional flexibility, and defaults. The Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee will address accountability, Pell Grants, and provisions like Do No Harm, Gainful Employment, Financial Value Transparency, and Workforce Pell eligibility. RISE will meet in September/October and November; AHEAD will meet in December and January.  

Why This Is Important 

ED is seeking public input as it prepares draft proposals for both committees. A virtual public hearing will be held on August 7 from 9 AM–Noon and 1 PM–4 PM ET. In addition to participating in the public hearing, AACS plans to submit a nominations for negotiators to serve on the rulemaking panels.