Washington Update (December 2025)-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar update provided a comprehensive review of key U.S. federal policy developments relevant to advancement offices in education as 2025 ends and 2026 begins. Brian Fitzpatrick began by highlighting recent political dynamics, including four House Republicans breaking ranks to support a Democratic discharge petition to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, signaling tensions in a fragile House majority and setting a complex tone for the midterm election year. The Senate, while less contentious, also faces challenges completing FY26 appropriations, with budget negotiations and potential government funding issues looming in early 2026.<br /><br />Significant administrative shifts include ongoing efforts to shrink the U.S. Department of Education by transferring functions to other agencies, though crucial areas like federal student aid remain within the department. New tax provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act were discussed, notably the introduction of a federal scholarship tax credit for K-12 donors effective in 2027 and ongoing efforts to clarify IRS implementation guidance.<br /><br />Further, Senator Maria Cantwell's inquiry into the tax-exempt status of college athletics reflects growing scrutiny of NIL (name, image, likeness) legislation and its impact on collegiate sports programs. Fitzpatrick also reviewed five major policy trends impacting advancement: tightened international student and H-1B visa rules, the shrinking Education Department, shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion policy, high-profile investigations linked to the Higher Education Compact, and sweeping charitable giving changes under the new law, including effects on fundraising.<br /><br />The session closed emphasizing continued advocacy, engagement opportunities, and resources provided by CASE to support advancement professionals navigating these complex developments in a challenging political and legislative environment as the nation heads into an intense election year.

Keywords

U.S. federal policy

education advancement

Affordable Care Act subsidies

FY26 appropriations

Department of Education restructuring

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

college athletics tax-exempt status

NIL legislation