Congressional Updates
This week, throughout various committees in the House of Representatives, the chamber continued to advance reconciliation proposals as directed by H.Con.Res.14, the FY25 Concurrent Budget Resolution. The House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture Committee websites contain additional information on these pieces, and in the coming days, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the full package before it will be sent to the Senate for further consideration, alteration, and additional votes. Importantly, the Universities of Wisconsin continue to engage with Members of Congress – including the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation – and through our national associations on issues of importance and concern to our universities across these proposals. Further updates continue to be shared with designated university legislative liaisons, who are engaged in similar efforts both state and federally as appropriate.
In the background of these developments, next week several House and Senate committees will hold hearings related to higher education.
- Senate HELP Committee Hearing
On May 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee will hold a hearing titled, “The State of Higher Education.” For more details, including a link to watch live, you can review the Committee’s press release.
- Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development
On May 21, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Central Time, the Committee on Education and Workforce’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold a hearing titled, “Restoring Excellence: The Case Against DEI.” For more details, including a link to watch live, you can review the Committee’s hearing page.
- House Appropriations Committee Hearing
On May 21, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central time, the House Appropriations Committee will hold a budget hearing on the Department of Education. For more details, including a link to watch Secretary McMahon testify live, you can review the Committee’s hearing page.
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.
Recent Federal Actions
UWs Litigation Update
The UWs Office of General Counsel, the Office of Legal Affairs at UW-Madison, and the Office of Legal Affairs at UW-Milwaukee have worked with state partners to pursue legal challenges to some of these terminations and the dismantling of certain federal agencies. Read more and review the lawsuits and submitted declarations on the Universities of Wisconsin Litigation Update.
