The Senate was not in session this week, and the House recessed early for the July 4th holiday due to disagreements among Republicans on pending legislation. Much of the Capital’s attention has been on the flurry of long-awaited Supreme Court decisions released this week, including those on birthright citizenship, campaign spending and mailed ballots. The Department of Education (ED) also finalized new accountability rules as implementation for Workforce Pell and new student loan plans begin. Read more policy updates below.
- ED Issues Final Accountability Rules: On June 29, ED finalized the new Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability rules, which aim to prevent students from utilizing federal student loans in low-earning programs. July 1 marks the implementation date of these rules and Workforce Pell under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and readers are encouraged to explore ACTE’s blog posts on Workforce Pell for additional information.
- ED Updates List of Professional Degree Programs: In response to a court order, ED revised its list of professional degree programs, expanding the range of graduate programs eligible for higher federal student loan limits. Notable changes include the addition of nursing but the removal of theology. Readers can view the full list here.
- Federal Judge Blocks Limit to PSLF: On June 30, a federal judge ruled that ED’s limitation of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is unlawful, stating that the agency attempted to restrict free expression and force PSLF beneficiaries to adopt the Administration’s views. Another judge handed down a similar ruling in a case brought on by nonprofit organizations.
- President Trump Nominates Sonderling for Labor Secretary: On June 29, President Trump said he will nominate Keith Sonderling to be the Secretary of Labor, elevating him from the agency’s current Acting Director. Sonderling was previously the Deputy Labor Secretary and a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Groups Sue ED Over Research Funds: On June 30, a coalition of disability and education advocacy groups filed a lawsuit against ED over undispersed research funds. The lawsuit noted that over $1.9 billion in withheld education research funds are set to expire soon.
- USDA and ED Announce Investment in Agricultural Research Infrastructure: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ED announced that applications are open for the FY 26 Research Facilities Act program. Land-grant universities and agricultural research facilities are eligible for up to $30 million from a $121 million fund for property improvements. Applications close July 24, 2026.
- ED Planning Regulations for College Mergers and Acquisitions: ED is planning policy and regulatory changes to smooth the pathway for college mergers and acquisitions, Under Secretary Nicholas Kent said June 30 during the annual National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators conference.
- House Passes Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act: On June 29, the House passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act. The proposal would require additional safeguards for children and teens online, including an update to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act that would expand protections currently available to children up to the age of 12 to teens up to age 17.
