Washington Update

APLU Publishes Brief on Congressional Action Needed to Address Student Hunger
With the expiration of the public health emergency related to COVID-19, temporary flexibilities enabling many college students to access SNAP nutrition benefits are ending.

APLU created a brief detailing the impact on students receiving SNAP benefits under the temporary eligibility requirements and the need for congressional action. The brief details deadlines by which current recipients of these benefits must recertify to retain their benefits, as well as when first time enrollees must apply to receive benefits under the flexibilities.

APLU additionally calls on Congress to permanently expand SNAP eligibility to students eligible for federal or state work-study programs, who meet the financial eligibility criteria for the maximum Federal Pell Grant, or are an independent student whose household is otherwise eligible for SNAP.

Department of Education Soliciting Comments on Foreign Gift Reporting
The Department of Education (ED) issued a new information collection request (ICR) regarding Section 117 of the Higher Education Act on foreign gifts and contracts disclosures. Additionally, the ED launched a new website for institutional reporting of foreign gifts and contracts.

This request builds off a previous ICR published in December 2022, in which APLU worked closely with the higher education community to submit comments. The Department made limited changes to the initial ICR notice following submission of comments earlier this year. The comment period for the current ICR is only 30 days and it is likely the new reporting regulations will become permanent shortly thereafter.  

APLU is working with the higher education community to submit comments reiterating the concerns voiced in our letter from earlier this year.

Biden Announces Intention to Nominate Monica Bertagnolli for Director of the National Institutes of Health
President Biden formally announced his intent to nominate Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Monday morning. In a statement following the announcement, APLU President Mark Becker supported the nomination and urged the Senate to quickly confirm Dr. Bertagnolli to the post: “collaborating with public research universities and others, NIH plays an instrumental role in driving discoveries that prevent disease, improve quality of life, and save lives. We call on the Senate to quickly confirm Dr. Bertagnolli and look forward to working with her as she works to enhance the world’s leading biomedical research agency.”

NSF Seeking Input on Investment Roadmap for Tech Directorate
The National Science Foundation issued a Request for Information in the Federal Register to gather insights on the development of an investment roadmap for its Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), in accordance with the CHIPS and Science Act.

The roadmap will help guide investment decisions in use-inspired and translational research over a three-year period to advance U.S. competitiveness and develop the U.S. workforce in critical technology areas. Comments are due by July 27. APLU is reviewing the request.