There has been a whirlwind of activity in Congress and the Administration over the past two weeks. The House took a short recess after passing the budget reconciliation bill, which was signed into law on July 4, but then was back in action this past week, when both chambers worked to clear a budget rescission package that rolled back some foreign aid and public media funding from FY 2025. At the same time, the House and Senate are attempting to move forward with FY 2026 appropriations bills, but progress has been slow. There has also been significant Administration activity that you can read more about below. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and concerns about these activities through this short form! Key federal activities these past two weeks include:

• Department of Education (ED) Announces New Guidance on Using Federal Funds for Undocumented Students: On July 10, ED announced a notice of interpretation on using federal funds to serve undocumented immigrants. The notice interprets many postsecondary education programs, including programs and activities funded by Perkins V, as providing federal public benefits under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and thereby subject to citizenship verification requirements under that law. Read more on the blog here.
• Supreme Court Clears the Way for Perkins Move from ED to Labor: On July 14, the Supreme Court ruled that ED may proceed with a reduction in force of approximately 1,400 employees. The interagency agreement previously signed by ED and Labor, which shifts the administration of Perkins and WIOA Title II adult education and literacy programs to DOL, may also move forward. Read more on the blog here.
• FY 2026 Appropriations Process Moves Forward Slowly: Congress is slowly beginning work on appropriations bills for FY 2026. On July 15, the House released its total funding levels for each of the 12 appropriations bills. The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill is slated for an almost $14 billion cut, which causes significant concerns. The House was scheduled to consider that bill in committee the week of July 21, but that action has been postponed until September.
• ED Continues to Withhold Education Funding: Almost $7 billion in federal funding for education has been withheld from states since its original scheduled distribution date of July 1. On July 18, states were notified that $1.4 billion in funds from ESSA Title IV-B, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which funds afterschool programs, would be released on July 21. No update has been provided on other funding. Ten Republican senators did weigh in on the ongoing issue by sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget urging the release of funding.
• Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Dismisses Thousands of Complaints: Court documents disclosed recently revealed that OCR dismissed more than 3,400 complaints from March 11 to June 27, a significant increase over prior years. This follows recent layoffs at OCR earlier this year and the closure of seven of 12 civil rights enforcement offices nationwide.
• Department of Labor (DOL) Issues Rule on Anti-discrimination Protections in Registered Apprenticeship Programs: DOL issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarifying prohibitions against discrimination in apprenticeships and rescind equal employment requirements, titled “Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs.” Comments are due September 2.
• Administration Announces Several New Funding Opportunities: Several new competitive grant announcements have been made by the Departments of Education and Labor. At ED, grants are available for Alaska Native-, Native Hawaiian-, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-, and Native American-Serving Institutions, as well as transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities. The Department of Labor announced $5 million in funding for the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations program.