All focus was on the appropriations process in DC this week, as Congress attempted to navigate the passage of the remaining six appropriations bills before the expiration of the current continuing resolution (CR) on Jan. 30. Senate leaders struck a deal on Thursday to separate homeland security funding from a package of other funding bills, which includes FY 26 funding for the Education (ED) and Labor Departments (DOL). On Friday, the Senate passed a new short-term CR that would fund homeland security activities at their current level until Feb. 13, while approving the remaining five appropriations bills as originally negotiated between the chambers and passed by the House. However, because this package overall was different than what the House passed, it must go back to that chamber for another vote. Until that point, a partial government shutdown is underway. The shutdown is expected to be short, however, with the House hoping to vote by Tuesday. Read more updates from the week below.

• ED and DOL Release Guidance for WIOA Plans: On Jan. 26, ED and the DOL released guidance for states on updating their WIOA State Plans, encouraging states to submit Combined State Plans including Perkins (although this is not required). Guidance for Perkins State Plan revisions is expected soon.
• ED Announces Negotiated Rulemaking on Postsecondary Accreditation: On Jan. 26, ED announced that it was convening a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop regulations aimed at reforming the accreditation process, including easing rules for emerging and new accreditors as well as focusing more on outcomes. This announcement follows a series of actions from the Administration targeting the accreditation process, including an Executive Order and ED’s actions to update the Department’s Accreditation Handbook.
• ACCT Launches National Initiative for Community College Workforce Programs: On Jan. 27, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) announced the launch of a three-year initiative aimed at embedding virtual, work-based learning into short-term workforce programs in 20 community colleges nationwide. The initiative will focus on high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing and will provide institutions with technical assistance, resources and free access to AI training through the Google AI for Education Accelerator. Applications will open in spring 2026.
• ED Proposes Rule on Student Loan Repayment: On Jan. 29, ED issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register implementing student loan regulations that were authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and then finalized by a negotiated rulemaking committee last year. The changes include the elimination of the Grad PLUS program and new caps on loans for graduate and professional students.
• DOL Announces 2026 National Apprenticeship Week: On Jan. 28, DOL announced that 2026 National Apprenticeship Week will take place from April 26-May 2. National Apprenticeship Week emphasizes how Registered Apprenticeship improves and expands career pathways for American workers.
• DOL Announces American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund Now Accepting Applications: On Jan. 28, DOL announced the launch of the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund This initiative was designed to encourage employers to develop, expand or join advanced manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship programs. Eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors will receive $3,500 for each new apprentice hired.
• National School Choice Week Prompts Numerous Activities: ED and the Administration conducted a number of activities in its celebration of National School Choice Week, including issuing a Presidential proclamation and hosting a roundtable at the White House. On Jan. 27, ED and the Treasury Department jointly released a fact sheet detailing the Education Freedom Tax Credit that was passed under OBBBA. Twenty-three states have opted into the program so far. At the same time, some policymakers expressed concern about voucher programs. On Jan. 28, Senator Bernie Sanders released a report detailing how the federal school voucher program, created under OBBBA, disproportionately benefits private schools. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee also held a hearing on school choice issues, “Empowering Families Through Educational Choice in America.”