Earmarks are continuing to make a return to Congress after a moratorium lasting a decade. Following the House’s announcement that the committee will accept Member requests for Community Project Funding in appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year (FY2022), the Senate followed suit. On April 26, 2021, the chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations

Scott Frein
Education Policy Update
In This Issue: Biden administration releases FY22 budget proposal, Senate follows House with return of earmarks, Department of Education higher education regulatory agenda, Title IX rule hearing, state legislatures update and McGuireWoods welcomes Farnaz Thompson.
Biden Administration Releases FY22 Budget Proposal
On Friday, May 28, 2021, President Biden released his FY2022 budget. The President’s budget…
Education Policy Update
In This Issue: Department of Education hosts National Safe School Reopening Summit, Senate HELP Committee holds confirmation hearing for Cindy Marten, and earmarks make their return to Congress.
National Safe School Reopening Summit
On March 24, 2021, the Department of Education hosted the National Safe School Reopening Summit. According to the Department of Education, the…
Education Policy Update | March 2021
American Rescue Plan
On Wednesday, March 10, Congress passed President Biden’s stimulus and COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan. The $1.9 trillion package provides additional funding for vaccination efforts, COVID-19 testing, state and local governments, stimulus checks, unemployment assistance, rental assistance, education, child care, and small businesses.
Notably, the final bill is not the…
Education Policy Update | January 2021
On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, President Biden was sworn into office. As one of his first official acts as President, Biden signed 17 executive actions, one of which was asking the Acting Secretary of Education to extend the pause on interest and payments for federal student loans. A fact sheet released by the White House…
Education Policy Update | December 2020
Coronavirus Relief Summary
On Monday, December 21, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes the highly anticipated coronavirus relief package. The $900 billion relief package includes funding for stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, small businesses, vaccine distribution, health care, education, transportation, rental assistance, and agriculture. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation.…
Education Policy Update
Overview of Presidential Nominees’ Policies
The 2020 presidential campaign season is in full swing. The Democratic National Convention concluded on August 20 with former Vice President Joe Biden officially accepting his party’s nomination for president and Senator Kamala Harris accepting the nomination for vice president. A week later on August 27, President Donald Trump and…
Education Provisions in the CARES Act
The CARES Act contains several provisions related to education. The U.S. Education Department (USED) will receive $30.9 billion total, of which $30.75 billion will go directly to states, local school districts, and institutions of higher education “to help schools, students, teachers, and families with immediate needs related to coronavirus.” Those funds are as follows:
$3…
Coronavirus and Its Impact on Education
The coronavirus is impacting us all, both at home and at work. Given the fluid nature of information flowing at both the federal and state levels, McGuireWoods Consulting is intent on providing our education clients minute-by-minute information to help make timely business decisions.
Federal Update on Education Policy
As it relates to education, the administration…
Education Policy Update | February 2020
The State of Education in Washington
President Trump released his $4.8 trillion budget proposal for FY 2021 spending last week. The president’s budget aims to cut non-defense spending, including funding for the U.S. Department of Education. President Trump requested $66.6 billion for the Department of Education for FY 2021, which represents a $5.6 billion, or…