Federal Update - April 9

April 9, 2025

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Budget Hurdles: The House is attempting to move to the next step on reconciliation 

Comment on Accreditors: NACIQI calls for comments on the upcoming renewal of accreditors 

Title IX Task Force: The Trump Administration continues its push against transgender athletes 



Deeper Dive: New Neg Reg: With the first neg reg of Trump 2.0 pending, what does this mean, and should you participate?

BUDGET BATTLE: HOUSE ATTEMPTS TO CLEAR NEXT HURTLE

What You Need to Know 

Last week, Republican leaders in the House and Senate reached an agreement on a compromise budget resolution. The new resolution strives for middle ground by keeping the significant cuts proposed by the House largely intact while also giving the Senate maximum flexibility on how much spending they would need to trim. The Senate passed the resolution last Friday and sent it back to the House.   

Why This Is Important 

Just a few weeks ago, Speaker Johnson (R-LA) was barely able to pass the prior version of this budget resolution. Johnson currently faces opposition to this agreement from his right flank. Republicans must pass the same budget resolution through both chambers to begin the budget reconciliation process, which they plan to use to advance the Trump legislative agenda. Budget reconciliation could make many changes to federal financial aid programs. AACS is keeping a close eye on how the entire process unfolds. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS INVITED FOR ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNITION

What You Need to Know 

Last week, ED called for public comment on 10 accrediting agencies that will appear before its National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). These accreditors are seeking renewal of their recognition by the Department at the NACIQI meeting this summer. Comments are due by May 8. Agencies seeking renewal of recognition include the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Why This Is Important 

Accrediting agencies must be recognized by ED to serve as Title IV gatekeepers, and they must seek periodic renewal of their recognition. NACIQI provides a recommendation on recognition after conducting a review of the accreditor, which includes third-party comments. The extended time between the submission of comments and the appearance before NACIQI is mandated in regulation to ensure ample opportunity for the accreditors to receive and respond to comments for NACIQI’s consideration. 

TITLE IX TASK FORCE LAUNCHED

What You Need to Know 

The Trump Administration announced last week that ED and the US Department of Justice would establish a new Title IX Special Investigations Team (SIT) that “will streamline Title IX investigations by creating a specialized team of investigators” from both agencies. The stated goal of the SIT is to provide “timely, consistent resolutions to protect students, and especially female athletes, from the pernicious effects of gender ideology in school programs and activities.” 

Why This Is Important 

The joint SIT is the latest effort by the Trump Administration to address gender issues in higher education. Secretary McMahon already has announced the first SIT investigation into the California Department of Education “for their alleged failure to protect women’s sports.” 

DEEPER DIVE: STUDENT LOAN NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING

What You Need to Know 

On April 4, ED announced a new negotiated rulemaking to review some of the federal student loan repayment programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Pay as You Earn, and Income-Contingent Repayment. The announcement also indicated that the Department would consider “other topics that would streamline current federal student financial assistance programs.” To kick off the process, the Department will hold listening sessions on April 29 (in-person) and May 1 (virtual). Written comments can be submitted to ED through May 5. 

Why This Is Important 

Negotiated rulemaking – colloquially known as "neg reg" – is the complicated regulatory process that ED must utilize when it intends to make changes to Title IV regulations. When coupled with the master calendar, which is a statutorily mandated timeline for new Title IV regulations, the entire rulemaking process takes years. The earliest possible date new regulations could take effect is July 1, 2026, though July 1, 2027 seems more likely. AACS remains engaged with senior officials at ED, and we encourage our community to participate in this process to share feedback on loan repayment programs and to provide suggestions to the Department on how to streamline financial aid programs. 

For More Information

If you have any questions about this Update, please email info@myaacs.org.