Infrastructure Package Passes Senate + $3.5 Trillion “New Deal” Budget Passes House of Representatives | Policy Matters (August 2021)
Major Updates
- Infrastructure Package Passes Senate + “New Deal” Budget Passes House of Representatives
The bipartisan infrastructure package passed the Senate, 69-30, providing a major upgrade to American transportation, broadband investment, water systems, and more, totaling $1 trillion. The legislation includes $14 billion to provide financial assistance to eligible households, including students who receive a Pell Grant, in the form of a $30 per month subsidy for broadband. The House has also passed a $3.5 trillion budget largely based on the Biden Administration’s American Families Plan and American Jobs Plan, including free community college, increases in the Pell grant and funding for student persistence and completion. Now, the House must pass the infrastructure package, and the Senate must pass the budget bill, placing a focus on infighting between moderate and progressive Democrats, who are trying to force their colleagues in the other chamber to pass their favored bill.
- Biden Administration Extends Pause on Student Loan Payment, Interest, and Collections until January 2022
Extending a measure that was slated to end September 30th of this year, the Biden Administration has extended the period in which borrowers can pause payments, interest, and collections due to the COVID-19 pandemic until the end of January 2022. The pause applied to all federal student loan borrowers. Interest will begin accruing and payments and collections will begin again on February 1, 2022.
Other News
- Department Announces Timeline for Negotiated Rule Making (Inside Higher Ed)
- U.S. Department of Education Announces Temporary Changes to the Federal Aid Verification Process for the 2021–22 Award Year (US Department of Education)
- Education Department Clarifies Rules on Professional Judgment (Inside Higher Ed)
- Warren drops opposition to Biden’s higher education nominee (Politico)
- U.S. Departments of Education and State Express “A Renewed U.S. Commitment to International Education” (Higher Ed Dive)
Newly Implemented Regulations
Distance Education Regulations July 1, 2021 Effect Date
Isakson and Roe Act for Veteran Students August 1, 2021 Effect Date
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Kristen Brown, University of Louisville, Chair
Bridget Beville, University of Phoenix
Corina Caraccioli, Loyola University New Orleans
Abram Hedtke, St. Cloud State University
George Irvine, University of Delaware
Rob Kerr, University of Illinois, Springfield
Craig Wilson, University of Arizona
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