The DC Digest

Duke Government Relations

Duke in DC's Top News Today:

Senate Advances Budget Resolution
Federal Judge Extends Restraining Order on NIH F&A Cap
Higher Ed Associations Send Letter to White House Science and Budget Offices About Disruptions to Federally-Supported Research
NLRB Rescinds Biden-Era Memos
Education Department Extends FVT/GE Reporting Deadline
Interview Waiver Update from State Department
Cabinet Updates
Post of the Week!

The Highlights 📰

Budget & Appropriations

The latest coverage on Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations that are relevant to Duke.

Duke Government Relations' primer on the federal appropriations process.

SENATE PASSES TWO-TRACK BUDGET RESOLUTION

After an all-night vote-a-rama, the Senate passed a two-track budget resolution aimed at advancing key legislative priorities, including border security, defense and energy production on a largely party-line vote, 52-48, with all Democrats and one GOP senator opposing it. The House is expected to take up its own version of the plan next week.

Research

The latest updates on legislation and regulations that impact Duke's research enterprise.

FEDERAL JUDGE EXTENDS RESTRAINING ORDER ON NIH F&A CAP

A federal judge has agreed to extend a temporary restraining order preventing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from reducing grant funding to research institutions until a more permanent decision is made. Judge Angel Kelley had initially blocked the cuts proposed by the Trump administration earlier this month. The original hold was set to expire on Monday.

HIGHER ED ASSOCIATIONS SEND LETTER ON DISRUPTIONS TO FEDERALLY-FUNDED RESEARCH

The Association of American Universities (AAU) along with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the Council on Governmental Relations
(COGR), sent a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director nominee Michael Kratsios and the Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought expressing concerns about disruptions to federally supported research due to recent executive orders and agency actions. The letter highlighted issues such as cash flow interruptions, unclear compliance requirements and new policies affecting research funding and cost reimbursements. The associations urged the administration to improve communication, ensure continued funding and reconsider policies that could negatively impact research infrastructure.

Letter Sent

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.

NASFAA Student Aid Reference Desk

NLRB RESCINDS BIDEN-ERA MEMOS

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rescinded several Biden-era enforcement memos last week, including memos addressing workplace surveillance, non-compete agreements and the classification of NCAA student-athletes as employees. Some documents are pending further guidance, while others have been fully revoked.

NLRB News

ED DEPT. EXTENDS FVT/GE DEADLINE

The Department of Education announced it is extending the deadline for evaluating Completers' Lists and reporting data related to Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) until Sept. 30, 2025. Last month, a coalition of 53 higher education associations sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter requesting the delay due to challenges institutions faced in meeting the original Jan. 15 reporting deadline amid the administration transition.

Deadline Extension

Immigration

The latest updates on legislation and regulatory actions related to immigration that are relevant to Duke.

STATE DEPT. UPDATES INTERVIEW WAIVER GUIDELINES

The State Department announced a change to the criteria for nonimmigrant visa renewal applicants, limiting eligibility for interview waivers to those whose previous visa expired less than 12 months prior. This adjustment narrows the previous rule, which allowed waivers for visas expired within 48 months or for applicants with any approved nonimmigrant visa.

New Notice

Trump Administration

TRUMP CABINET UPDATES

The Senate confirmation hearing for Michael Kratsios, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.

Post of the Week!

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