Washington Update

President’s FY24 Budget Request Released
The White House released its Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request, proposing to increase non-defense spending by 8 percent and defense spending by 3.3 percent. APLU President Mark Becker released a statement on the budget proposal.

APLU developed a detailed analysis of the request, including funding levels and policy language for programs of interest to APLU institutions at priority agencies. The budget proposal includes an $820 increase to the Pell Grant maximum; $21 billion in CHIPS and Science Act-authorized activities; and a $11.3 billion topline for the National Science Foundation. Some agencies have not yet shared their more detailed information on the PBR. APLU will update our analysis as further information is available from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. APLU’s FY2024 appropriations priorities chart has been updated to reflect President Biden’s request to Congress.

The budget proposal also includes components of Build Back Better such as a federal-state partnership to achieve free community college and tuition subsidies for qualifying students at Minority Serving Institutions.

NPSM-33 Research Security Plans 
The Office of Science and Technology Policy released a Request for Information (RFI) on the Research Security Plans called for in NSPM-33 for institutions receiving more than $50 million in federal research and development spending. A draft version of the requirements can be found here. Comments are due June 5. APLU will be reviewing the RFI and working with our association colleagues on a potential response.

Higher Ed Association Response to Foreign Gift Reporting Requirements
In late December, the Department of Education issued an information collection request (ICR) for foreign gift reporting required by Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. Through this ICR the Department announced its plan to move Section 117 compliance responsibilities from the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. APLU worked closely with American Council on Education on a response, building on previous association letters on Sec. 117. The letter outlines areas of continuing concern including the operations of the reporting portal, reporting on intermediaries, anonymous gifts, and tuition payments. The ICR can be found here, and the full notice can be found here.