Washington Update

APLU Responds to OSTP Research Security Program Standards RFI
APLU recently responded to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Request for Information on their draft Research Security Programs Standard Requirements.

National Security Presidential Memo 33, the administration’s current policy to “strengthen protections of United States Government-supported R&D against foreign government interference and exploitation,” calls for institutions with over $50 million in federal research funding to have a “certified research security plan.” The administration asked for comments on its plans to implement this requirement.

APLU’s letter urges OSTP to provide further clarity to definitions and processes in order to decrease burdens on institutions and ensure appropriate compliance across different institutions. In addition, APLU participated in a joint community letter led by the American Council on Education focused on shared concerns about the OSTP proposal.

APLU, Higher Education Community Submit Letter on SNAP
APLU and 32 other higher education associations, including all six presidential associations, submitted a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership urging consideration of food insecurity among college students as they craft the nutrition title of the farm bill. The letter notes current SNAP eligibility requirements for students are complex and complicate institutions’ outreach efforts to ensure eligible students receive their benefits. By streamlining SNAP eligibility requirements and making benefits more accessible, Congress could increase the number of students completing a postsecondary credential.

APLU created a brief detailing the impact on students receiving SNAP benefits under the temporary eligibility requirements. 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.

President Biden Vetoes Student Loan Forgiveness Rescission
President Biden vetoed the resolution passed in Congress that would overturn the administration’s student loan forgiveness plan. The plan, which is also before the U.S. Supreme Court, would waive up to $10,000 in federal loans for most borrowers and $20,000 for borrowers who received Pell Grants. The resolution, advanced under the Congressional Review Act, after the Government Accountability Office identified the forgiveness plan as a rule. The resolution passed with all Republicans voting in support in both chambers, as well as two Democrats in the House and three in the Senate.

White House Nominates Mandy Cohen as CDC Director
Reports indicate the White House plans to nominate Mandy Cohen, former North Carolina health secretary, as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current CDC director, Rochelle Walensky, is set to depart the agency at the end of June. A formal nomination is expected towards the end of the month.