The Universities of Wisconsin Federal Updates Working Group has been actively reviewing federal legislative actions, regulatory changes, and Presidential executive orders. In addition to monitoring these actions, Universities of Wisconsin leaders have been in frequent contact with Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, State of Wisconsin officials, and our national associations while continuing to provide resources to students and staff. Here is a summary of some of the actions taken by the Universities of Wisconsin:
Higher Education Leaders Share Concerns on Federal Financial Aid
In May, the leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Wisconsin Technical College System sent a letter to Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation highlighting concerns with the Student Success and Taxpayer Saving Plan as passed by the House Education and Workforce Committee.
Fuel Futures – Importance of Pell Grants
At the June meeting of the Board of Regents, President Rothman shared his views related to the impacts of proposed changes to federal financial aid being discussed in Congress. Recognizing the importance of federal financial aid programs to student success, President Rothman unveiled the Universities of Wisconsin Fuel Futures website, which serves as a portal for UWs graduates and students to share their stories about how Pell Grants and other federal financial aid helped foster educational opportunities.
Communication from President Rothman to Congressional Delegation on Federal Budget Impact
In June, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman sent a letter to Wisconsin’s congressional delegation expressing opposition to the proposed cuts to federal financial aid and federal research agencies contained within President Trump’s FY26 Discretionary Budget Request. The letter asked for Congress to keep these concerns in mind as it drafts and considers FY26 appropriations legislation.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congressional Action and Executive Orders
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Following the bill becoming Public Law No. 119-21, the Department of Education began the implementation of the higher education provisions of the law, and the Department has now announced negotiated rulemaking as it looks to implement the provisions related to federal student loans and the Pell Grant program.
As Congress returns to DC following the August Recess, it works to advance appropriations legislation ahead of the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30. While the House of Representatives did not consider the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act before the August Recess, the Senate Appropriations Committee did mark up the legislation. For more, you can watch the archived markup and review the bill text and committee report. As part of this process, changes to the Pell Grant and other federal financial aid programs are possible, but to date, our voice and the voice of colleagues across the country are mitigating the most drastic measures.
While the Federal Updates Workgroup continues to be engaged on these and other legislative matters, it also continues to track and share updates related to Presidential Executive Orders including those listed below, which you can review to learn more.
- White House: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
- White House: Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
- White House: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
- Department of Education: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Directs National Center for Education Statistics to Collect Universities’ Data on Race Discrimination in Admissions
Litigation Action on Federal Directives
Wisconsin has joined several multi-state lawsuits to fight unlawful impacts to the Universities of Wisconsin, and in some cases, submitted declarations in suits brought by partners in higher education. Some lawsuits have resulted in court orders that block the federal government from executing these directives until further legal judgement can be reached. Check out the Universities of Wisconsin Litigation Update page that summarizes the litigation actions.
Resources for International Students, Faculty, and Staff
The Universities of Wisconsin created the International Student, Faculty & Staff Resources website. The site has resources and FAQs in response to Executive orders and agency guidance affecting several aspects for international students, faculty, and staff including visa revocation, immigration status, and travel.
Looking Ahead
As Congress returns to DC and additional action takes place on the federal level, updates will continue to be posted on the Federal Updates website and shared with campus communities of practice, federal updates workgroup contacts, and campus legislative liaisons. If you are looking for more detail on the items above, you can also review the Federal Updates website.