Members of Congress were on recess this week, with little activity happening in the Capitol. Attention has primarily been directed toward the reconciliation bill that would provide funding to ICE and CBP. Senate Republicans had hoped to pass the bill last week, with the ultimate goal of sending it to the president by June 1. However, disagreements over provisions in the bill delayed the process, forcing the votes to be delayed until after the recess. When Congress returns next week they face a long “to do” list and limited time before the mid-term elections. Read more policy updates below.    

• OMB Releases Proposed Changes to Grant Guidance: On May 29, the White House Office of Management and Budget published proposed changes to the Uniform Grant Guidance in the Federal Register. If enacted, these changes would apply to all grants across the federal government. While we are still evaluating the entire proposal, it appears to include significant changes to how federal funds can be spent on conferences and memberships, requiring the approval of the federal agency that awards the funds. Other recommended changes include giving Administration officials more power over federal competitive grants. Comments are due on the proposal on July 13, and we will have much more information as we analyze and learn more. 

• IES Releases the Condition of Education: On May 28, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) released its 2026 Condition of Education report. The Condition of Education is an annual report mandated by Congress to examine the state of education across the nation, from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary workforce outcomes. 

• ED Announces Additional Grant Competitions: The Education Department launched various grant programs this week, including programs on basic needs for postsecondary students, promoting civics education, assisting veteran students, developing new textbooks and transitioning gang-involved youth to postsecondary education.  

• FAA To Invest $26 Million to Bolster Aviation Workforce: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investing $26 million to bolster the aviation workforce, primarily through Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants and the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants. The deadline to apply is June 22, 2026.   

• FSA to Hold Webinars on OBBBA Implementation: The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will be hosting a series of webinars and virtual office hours to assist schools with implementing provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including Workforce Pell and other student loan changes. 

• ED Finalizes Priority on Patriotic Education: On May 22, ED finalized its Supplemental Priority on Patriotic Education for use in future grant competitions. 

• ED Faces Pressure to Release Research Funds: Following a report finding that ED has yet to utilize nearly $300 million in research funding, education groups and lawmakers have been urging the Department to release those funds before the current fiscal year ends. An official told K-12 Dive that the Department is “committed to using appropriated funds to meet our statutory obligations while supporting high-quality research.” 

• ED Sends SAVE Borrowers Warning Before July 1 Formal Notices Begin: ED has started emailing borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan to remind them that a court order ended the SAVE plan and that starting July 1, they will have 90 days to select a different repayment plan.