Washington Update (September 2025)-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The September Washington update focused on key developments impacting higher education, particularly around the FY26 federal budget deadline of September 30th. Congress is unlikely to pass full appropriations bills on time and is debating short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) to prevent a government shutdown. The Republican CR extends funding to November 21st with added security funds, while the Democratic CR lasts until October 31st and includes policy changes like eliminating Medicaid cuts and extending Obamacare subsidies; neither has enough Senate support, risking a stalemate.<br /><br />Significant changes include the administration canceling $350 million in grant funding for minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and redirecting funds mainly to HBCUs and tribal colleges, sparking concerns over equity within minority-serving communities. The Commerce Secretary proposed revisiting intellectual property policies on federally funded university research, threatening university revenue streams. An executive order on hate speech in response to a campus murder is expected soon, raising free speech and campus safety concerns.<br /><br />Research funding remains slow, affected by administrative changes limiting grants and diversity-related programs. Programmatic changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) threaten eligibility for many nonprofit workers, prompting advocacy efforts to maintain broad eligibility. International student enrollment declines continue due to uncertainties and hurdles. Legislative efforts on name, image, likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes show some bipartisan progress but face challenges.<br /><br />CASE continues updating advocacy resources, hosting workshops, and supporting institutions navigating these legislative and administrative changes amidst a complex and partisan political environment.

Keywords

FY26 federal budget

continuing resolutions

minority-serving institutions

HBCUs funding

intellectual property policies

hate speech executive order

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

international student enrollment