The House and Senate were both back in session this week, although House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday that he was sending members home early for their recess. The next time the House is expected back in the Capitol will be after the November elections. The Senate is expected to be in session at least one more week before adjourning as well. Read more policy updates below.  

• Rep. Bonamici Introduces K-12 Education Legislation: On Sept. 17, Rep. Bonamici introduced the Transforming Education for the Future Act. This legislation provides the framework for public schools to address critical issues stemming from the effects of COVID-19, increased uses of technology, AI and other facets. The bill also includes a significant funding increase for Perkins state grants. 

• ED Approves Workforce Pell Grant Programs in Nebraska: On Sept. 14, the Department of Education (ED) approved three Workforce Pell Grant programs in Nebraska, making it the third state in the nation to receive program approvals. Eligible students at Metropolitan Community College can now use Federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician and CompTia Tech+ with Google IT Support programs. 

• ED Developing Tool on Financial Aid Offers: Reporting from POLITICO this week indicated that ED is currently working on a tool that would allow students to compare offers of financial aid from different colleges. ED did not give a timeline nor other specific details related to the project but hopes that they can share something out soon. 

• Chamber of Commerce Holds Housing Summit: On Sept. 14, the Chamber of Commerce held a summit on the housing shortage, emphasizing the need for workforce development in the housing construction industry.  

• NSCRC Releases National Data on High School Outcomes: The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center recently released national postsecondary outcomes data for students who graduated high school between 2018 and 2025.  

• Groups Sue ED Over Mass Layoffs: On Sept. 14, a group of Democratic attorneys general and other organizations filed a lawsuit against ED, asking a federal judge to require the agency to turn over hundreds of documents related to last year’s mass layoffs.  

• GAO Report Finds Facility Issues Lead to School Cancellations: A new report from the Government Accountability Office found that 47% of schools faced chronic facility issues, and about one in five school districts had to cancel school due to facility issues in 2024-25. School facilities and equipment are particularly important for CTE programs, connecting students with hands-on activities. 

• ED Issues Dear Colleague Letter on Strengthening Civic Education: On Sept. 16, ED issued a Dear Colleague letter to teachers and education leaders urging them to strengthen civic learning and provide routine opportunities for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.   

• Secretary of Education Visits Missouri and West Virginia on National Tour: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Missouri on Sept. 16 as part of a national tour. She visited the Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center for lunch prepared and served by culinary arts students, followed by a tour of the school’s hands-on instructional labs for its electrical, welding, automotive, and construction programs. On Sept. 17, McMahon visited the Woody Williams Career and Technical Center in West Virginia to tour the facility’s hands-on training education programs.