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 as each chamber passed a bill to end the government shutdown.
FY 2026 Appropriations
On November 10, the Senate voted 60-40 to pass a package to end the government shutdown. Seven Democrats and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) voted with Republicans to support the package despite general opposition from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was the only Republican “No” vote.
The House passed the package on November 12, and President Trump signed the bill shortly after. The measure, H.R. 5371, would fund most of the government through January 30 at FY25 levels. The bill also provides full-year FY26 funding for three-bill minibus containing the Agriculture-FDA,Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-VA bills. The package does not extend Affordable Care Act subsidies as Democrats had demanded, but it includes provisions that would reverse federal layoffs that took place during the shutdown and that would prevent any further layoffs through January 30.
It is reported that the Senate will soon consider a second FY26 funding package consisting of the Defense, Labor-Health & Human Services-Education, Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior-Environment, and Transportation-Housing-Urban Development bills. The package may be found here.
Bills Introduced
The Defense Biotechnology Strategy Act (H.R. 6009) was introduced by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). The bill would order the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy on national security implications of emerging biotechnologies. The strategy would focus primarily on the role that biotechnology will play in defense, industry improvements, and interagency relationships. Read the bill text here.
The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act (H.R. 5965) was introduced by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA). The bill would establish a pilot program to extend eligibility for work-study for veterans who are participating in rehabilitation, education, or training programs on a half-time basis. The bill would open work-study up to veterans who are not full-time students. Read the bill text here.
Executive Branch activities of interest
Department of Education Releases Grant Priorities for Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
The Department of Education (ED) released its seven grant priorities for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) FY25 competition. The priorities support expanding the use of AI, protecting and promoting civil discourse on college campuses, accreditation reform, and building capacity for short-term programs. ED expects to announce award grantees by December 31, 2025. Read the press release here.