This week’s Federal Update covers Congressional and Executive activities of interest in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Branch activities of interest
Floor Activity
Both the House and Senate were in Session this week. Both chambers resumed work on FY26 appropriations bills.
FY 2026 Appropriations
On January 12, the House Appropriations Committee released a two-bill minibus containing conferenced versions of the FY26 Financial Services-General Government (FSGG) and National Security-State bills. The House passed this minibus on January 14. The package may be found here.
The FSGG portion of the minibus includes language – contained in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the package - prohibiting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from modifying F&A negotiated rates from the guidance that was in effect in FY24. The F&A language may be found on page 20 of the Joint Explanatory Statement.
On January 15, the Senate is expected to vote on a three-bill minibus containing conferenced versions of the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS), Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment bills.
Hearings
On January 14, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Research and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing on “Advancing America’s AI Action Plan.” During the hearing, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Michael Kratsios emphasized the importance of training both K-12 and college students on AI literacy for jobs of the 21st century. Watch the hearing here.
Bills Introduced
Student Visa Integrity Act (H.R. 7063) was introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX). The bill would change the current student visa process by establishing firm end dates and expanding in-person interview requirements. The bill would also prevent students from certain countries from studying in the U.S. as well as restrict program transfers. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate in July 2025 (S. 2555). Read the press release here. Read the bill text here.
Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R. 7019) was introduced by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM). The bill would authorize $15 million in grant funding for colleges and universities to implement evidence-based prevention and recovery programs for substance and alcohol abuse, as identified by the Depts. of Education and Health and Human Services. Eligible programs might include early screening, peer support, and counseling. Read the press release here. Read the bill text here.
Executive Branch activities of interest
Department of War Issues Memorandum Updating Research Security Requirements
The Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) has issued a memorandum updating the department’s research security protocols for fundamental research. The memo prohibits research funding to companies identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States and establishes a department-wide research risk review repository. Additional actions include enhanced spot checks, standardized foreign support reporting, and expanded training. Read the memo here.
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Reaches Consensus on Accountability Provisions of One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On January 9, the Department of Education (ED)’s Accountability in Higher Education Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee reached consensus in negotiations on the accountability framework and transparency provisions enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. ED will next draft and publish consensus regulatory language in the Federal Register, followed by a public comment period. There are no further negotiated rulemaking sessions regarding provisions enacted in H.R. 1. Negotiated rulemaking is a process used by federal agencies that brings together stakeholder groups to negotiate and draft the text of a proposed regulation before it is officially published.