Federal Friday 

• Office of Management and Budget: M-25-36 Streamlining the Review of Deregulatory Actions (October 21, 2025)

Negotiated Rulemaking Update

On November 6, 2025, the Department of Education announced the conclusion of the agency’s negotiated rulemaking session. The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee reached consensus on changes to federal student loans stemming from H.R.1 –  the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

At the time of the announcement, Under Secretary of Education Nicolas Kent said, “We appreciate the committee’s efforts to assist the Department in implementing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will simplify our complex student loan repayment system and better align higher education with workforce needs. The consensus language agreed upon by the negotiators today will help drive a sea change in higher education by holding universities accountable for outcomes and putting significant downward pressure on the cost of tuition. This will benefit borrowers who will no longer be pushed into insurmountable debt to finance degrees that do not pay off.” 

In the coming days, the Department will draft a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which will be available in the Federal Register for review and comment. As included in the press release, for “more information on the negotiated rulemaking process, see here.”

Government Funding Updates

At present, conversations surrounding government funding remain stalled.

The Senate was in DC and voting this week; the House of Representatives remained in a recess period wherein members could be called back to DC for votes if events warranted.

As Congress continues to work toward a funding solution, updates will be shared as appropriate.

Federal Friday 

• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Announces Final Rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness to Protect American Taxpayers

Government Funding Updates

At present, efforts to reopen the government remain stalled and without a clear off-ramp. This week, the House of Representatives remained in recess, but members could be called back to DC for votes if events warranted. In the Senate, the House-passed CR continued to fail through successive votes.

Ultimately, the impacts of the shutdown increase the longer the lapse in funding continues. While the Department of Education has reaffirmed that at this time “there is minimal impact on students, borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty agencies and their ability to participate in the Title IV programs,” as the shutdown continues, the resources below will remain of interest:

• OMB Status of Operations Memo
  • OMB Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Department of Education Contingency Plan for Lapse in FY2026 Appropriations
• COGR: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
• ACE: Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services

Litigation Update

Twenty-one states, including Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia have filed an amicus brief in support of the Council for Opportunity in Education suit against the U.S. Department of Education regarding TRIO grant cancellations. If interested in reading more, you can review the following Inside Higher Education article.

H-1B Presidential Proclamation

On September 19, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” regarding H-1B workers. International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) at UW-Madison provide H-1B related support to all the campuses other than UW-Milwaukee, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. IFSS has posted updated information regarding this proclamation. For UW employees who may have questions on the impact of the proclamation, please review this resource.

Federal Friday 

• U.S. Customs and Immigration Services: Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
  • U.S. Customs and Immigration Services: H-1B Specialty Occupations
• U.S. Department of Justice: The Justice Department Announces Agreement with University of Virginia
  • University of Virginia: Interim President Paul Mahoney’s message to the University community on UVA’s agreement with the Justice Department

Government Funding Updates

At present, efforts to reopen the government remain stalled and without a clear off-ramp. This week, the House of Representatives remained in recess, but members could be called back to DC for votes if events warranted. In the Senate, the House-passed CR continued to fail through successive votes.

Ultimately, the impacts of the shutdown increase the longer the lapse in funding continues. While the Department of Education has reaffirmed that at this time “there is minimal impact on students, borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty agencies and their ability to participate in the Title IV programs,” as the shutdown continues, the resources below will remain of interest:

• OMB Status of Operations Memo
  • OMB Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Department of Education Contingency Plan for Lapse in FY2026 Appropriations
• COGR: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
• ACE: Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services

Federal Friday

Government Funding Updates

At present, efforts to reopen the government remain stalled and without a clear off-ramp. This week, the House of Representatives remained in recess, but members could be called back to DC for votes if events warranted. In the Senate, the House-passed CR continued to fail through successive votes.

Ultimately, the impacts of the shutdown increase the longer the lapse in funding continues. While the Department of Education has reaffirmed that at this time “there is minimal impact on students, borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty agencies and their ability to participate in the Title IV programs,” as the shutdown continues, the resources below will remain of interest:

• OMB Status of Operations Memo
  • OMB Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Department of Education Contingency Plan for Lapse in FY2026 Appropriations
• COGR: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
• ACE: Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services

IPEDS Information Collection Request

Earlier this August, the US Department of Education submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) in the Federal Register, which stemmed from the earlier Presidential Memorandum regarding higher education admissions. The comment period on the ICR closed this week. You can review the notice and  the comments in the Federal Register. The agency will need to review the comments.

Working together with our national associations and through the multi-state group, the following letters have been submitted. These reflect much of the commentary we received from our UW universities.

• ACE:  Multi-Sector Letter
• APLU: Comment Letter
• Multi-State Comment Letter

Federal Friday

• Department of Energy: Energy Department Announces Termination of 223 Projects, Saving Over $7.5 Billion

Government Funding Update

At present, conversations surrounding government funding remain stalled. This week, the Senate again voted on the House-passed CR, which to date has not gathered sufficient votes for passage. Over the course of the week, the House of Representatives remained in a recess period wherein members could be called back to DC for votes if events warranted.

Importantly, the Department of Education has reaffirmed that at this time “there is minimal impact on students, borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty agencies and their ability to participate in the Title IV programs.” As the shutdown continues, however, the resources below will remain of interest:

• OMB Status of Operations Memo
  • OMB Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Department of Education Contingency Plan for Lapse in FY2026 Appropriations
• COGR: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
• ACE: Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services

As Congress continues to work toward a funding solution, updates will be shared as appropriate.

NEW! H-1B Presidential Proclamation

On September 19, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” regarding H-1B workers. International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) at UW-Madison provide H-1B related support to all the campuses other than UW-Milwaukee, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater. IFSS has posted information regarding this proclamation. For UW employees who may have questions on the impact of the proclamation, please review this resource.

Federal Friday

• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Awards Over $153 Million in American History and Civics Seminars Grants
• House Committee on Education & Workforce: Walberg, Stefanik Press Harvard about Cultivating Antisemitic Environment
• Department of Health and Human Services: HHS’ Office for Civil Rights Refers Harvard University for Suspension and Debarment Proceedings
• Department of Justice: Georgia Tech Research Corporation Agrees to Pay $875,000 to Resolve Civil Cyber-Fraud Litigation
• Federal Student Aid: Government Lapse in Appropriations – Federal Student Aid Processing and Customer Service Guidance

Lapse in Appropriations

Without agreement on legislation to fund the government past the end of the federal fiscal year, the federal government “shutdown” just after midnight on October 1, 2025. This lapse in appropriations has the impact of shutting down all federal government operations that are deemed “non-essential,” as defined by the contingency memos authored by each federal agency. Unfortunately, it is not certain when Congress will advance funding legislation that has the effect of resuming normal government operations. However, we continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be shared as appropriate.

If interested in reading more, the following resources may be of interest:

• OMB Status of Operations Memo
  • OMB Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Department of Education Contingency Plan for Lapse in FY2026 Appropriations
• COGR: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
• ACE: Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services
• Federal Student Aid: Government Lapse in Appropriations – Federal Student Aid Processing and Customer Service Guidance

If there are questions or concerns, please reach out to the university’s designated campus liaison.

Federal Friday

• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Places Harvard University on Heightened Cash Monitoring for Financial Responsibility Concerns
• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Issues Denial of Access Letter to Harvard University for Its Continued Failure to Provide Admissions Data
• Select Committee on the CCP: From Ph.D. to PLA: How Visa Policies Enable PRC Defense Entities to Tap U.S. Higher Education
• White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
  • White House: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Suspends the Entry of Certain Alien Nonimmigrant Workers
  • USCIS: USCIS Releases New H-1B Guidance
  • White House Press Secretary: Comments on the Proclamation on X
• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Announces Earliest FAFSA Form Launch in Program History
• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Releases Secretary McMahon’s Meaningful Learning and Workforce Readiness Supplemental Priorities

Government Funding Update

To date, the House and Senate have not found agreement on legislation to fund the government past the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30^th.

In the event of a shutdown, OMB historically has posted agency contingency memos. These contingency memos detail agency operations during the course of a shutdown including what staff and operations would be deemed essential. The White House has noted on the OMB website that “In accordance with  Circular A-11, agency contingency plans for a lapse in appropriations are hosted solely on each agency’s website.”

As Congress continues to debate legislation in the coming days or contingency memos are posted, updates will continue to be shared with campus contacts.

Presidential Proclamation related to the H-1B Visa Program

On September 19, 2025, the White House announced new rules governing the H-1B visa program, effective Sept. 21, 2025.

For more, you may be interested in the following links:

• White House: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
  • White House: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Suspends the Entry of Certain Alien Nonimmigrant Workers
  • USCIS: USCIS Releases New H-1B Guidance
  • White House Press Secretary: Comments on the Proclamation on X

The Universities of Wisconsin continue to review the guidance and clarifications that have been issued. Further information will continue to be shared with relevant stakeholders as appropriate. If there are questions or concerns, please reach out to your university liaison.

Federal Friday

• Select Committee on the CCP: How the Chinese Communist Party Exploits U.S. University Partnerships to Empower China’s Military and Repression
• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Makes Historic Grant Investments in Programs That Bolster Educational Outcomes
• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Releases Secretary McMahon’s Patriotic Education Supplemental Priority
• Department of State: United States Champions Free Expression, Ceases Censorship Frameworks

Government Funding Updates

Earlier this week, the House released H.R. 5371, which among several provisions would fund the government through November 21, 2025. The bill is expected to be considered in the House as soon as September 19^th. Assuming the bill passes the House, Senate action is expected shortly thereafter. However, the situation remains fluid; as there are further developments, updates will continue to be shared.

Political Activity Guidance Reminder

As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the emerging federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.

Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.

In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.

For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.

Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.

Federal Friday:

• Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Bolsters Office of the Ombudsman to Improve Consumer Education and Increase Transparency for Student Borrowers
• Department of Education: Why I’m Visiting Every State as Secretary of Education
• Select Committee on the CCP: The U.S. Department of Defense Research and Engineering’s Failures to Protect Taxpayer-Funded Defense Research
• Department of Education: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s remarks at Hillsdale College on September 8, 2025.
• Department of State: Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence – September 6, 2025
• Department of Education:  U.S. Department of Education Ends Funding to Racially Discriminatory Discretionary Grant Programs at Minority-Serving Institutions

House Appropriations Committee Update

On September 9^th, the House Appropriations Committee met and advanced the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Given Committee approval, the bill can now be considered by the full House of Representatives where work continues on appropriations legislation in advance of the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30^th.

If interested, a summary of the bill is available here. Further, bill text, before the adoption of amendments, is available here, and the bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

Federal Rulemaking

In the background of Congressional action, federal agencies continue to put forward guidance and rules, which the Universities of Wisconsin continue to review and address.

While there are several comment periods that are currently active, two examples include an IPEDS comment request, which follows a Presidential Memorandum dealing with transparency in higher education admissions, and a new proposed rule related to “duration of status” for international students from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For more, you can review the Department’s press release and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register.

For additional information on these rules and potential comments, please continue to be in touch with the university liaison to the federal update workgroup.

Political Activity Guidance Reminder

As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the emerging federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.

Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.

In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.

For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.

Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.

Federal Friday:

• The Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Illinois Laws Providing In-State Tuition and Scholarships for Illegal Aliens

House Appropriations Committee Update

On September 1^st, the House Appropriations Committee released the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill. The bill was marked up in the subcommittee on September 2^nd, and a full committee markup is expected in the coming days.

As summarized by the Committee, the bill “provides a discretionary total of $67 billion to the Department of Education, which is $12 billion (15%) below the FY25 enacted level.” Importantly, the bill proposes maintaining “funding for Pell Grants at the discretionary maximum award level of $6,335.” However, given proposed cuts to programs like Federal Work Study and SEOG, the Universities of Wisconsin will continue to engage with our federal delegation and our national association to express the importance of full funding of our priorities as Congress works to advance funding legislation before the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30^th.

If interested in reading more on the House Appropriations Committee bill, you can review the bill summary and bill text.

Political Activity Guidance Reminder

As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the emerging federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.

Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.

In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.

For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.

Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.