| Student Aid, Institutional Support and Taxes
The latest updates regarding legislation and regulatory actions related to student aid, higher education institutional support, taxes and more.
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SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS AROUND BIDEN'S STUDENT DEBT RELIEF PLAN
Today's oral arguments at the Supreme Court will feature two challenges to President Biden's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loans for certain borrowers. In addition to potentially overturning the debt relief plan, the Supreme Court could also rule more broadly to further restrain other executive actions.
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Research
The latest updates on legislation and regulations that impact Duke's research enterprise.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON CHIPS FUNDING
Last week, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo delivered a major speech about the CHIPS Act and outlined a vision for the country’s technology leadership. Part of the remarks focused on workforce development: “We also need more Americans to be a part of this exciting innovation ecosystem. Which means those same colleges and universities have to expand their recruitment pipelines so that more underserved populations – including women, under-represented communities, and veterans – get into these programs and launch these careers. We also need our students to be job-ready on Day One. Which means colleges and universities need to partner with industry to align their programs with the needs of positions in fabs, and ensure graduates have the practical skills they need for success.”
Today, February 28, at 4 pm ET the Department will follow up the Secretary's remarks by hosting a webinar on CHIPS funding opportunities.
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INVESTING IN RESEARCH TO ACCELERATE INNOVATIONS IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $80 million, provided by the Office of Science, to support fundamental research. The funding is intended "to drive the innovation cycle in support of the Accelerate Innovations in Emerging Technologies (Accelerate) initiative." Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, DOE’s Director of the Office of Science said, "The Accelerate initiative will drive scientific discovery across the innovation continuum to support the future economic and scientific leadership of the nation. A priority of the Biden Administration is accelerating the transition of basic research to commercial, impact-providing solutions to the American people."
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| Additional Federal Relations Items of Interest to Duke
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CONGRESS HOSTS SEVERAL HEARINGS ON CHINA TODAY
As congressional hearings pick up their pace, Congress will be hosting three different hearings this week looking at various issues involving China. This includes the inaugural hearing of the new House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United State and Chinese Communist Party. Yesterday, chair Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) previewed his goals for the select committee, which include making the case why Americans should care about competition with China and outlining a roadmap for “selective decoupling the US and Chinese economies.”
- 2/28 at 10:00 AM: House Science, Space, & Technology Committee Hearing, “The United States, China, and the Fight for Global Leadership: Building a U.S. National Science and Technology Strategy.” Details here.
- 2/28 at 10:00 AM: Senate Banking Hearing, “Advancing National Security and Foreign Policy Through Sanctions, Export Controls, and Other Economic Tools.” Details here.
- 2/28 at 7:00 PM: The Select Committee on the CCP, "The Chinese Communist Party’s Threat to America." Details here.
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NEW HEAD OF NASA SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE
On Monday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Dr. Nicola Fox will serve as the associate administrator for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate. Dr. Fox's appointment to the Washington, D.C.-based role is effective immediately. According to their announcement about the role's portfolio, it "includes more than 100 NASA missions to explore the secrets of the universe – missions that assess questions as far ranging as how hurricanes form on Earth, how we can support astronauts on the Moon, and whether we are alone in the universe. [Fox] also will be responsible for fostering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and supporting a diverse team of scientists and engineers around the country at all stages of their careers."
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Have questions about federal issues impacting Duke? Duke's Office of Government Relations (OGR) is kicking off its weekly virtual office hours for members of the Duke community, "Federal Forums," again starting Jan. 27. Join us on Fridays at 10:00 AM to hear OGR staff give a quick rundown of the latest news out of DC of most relevance to Duke, answer questions, provide connections to resources and more! Register in advance to receive the Zoom link, and please include any issues you'd like to discuss.
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