March Policy Update
I want to welcome you to our first URGE Federal Policy Update, where we will provide key insight into policy matters. Before we get started, we want to acknowledge that there is a lot happening right now, and it’s all moving very fast.
What We’re Watching Right Now:
On March 20th, President Trump signed an Executive Order aiming to shutter the Department of Education. The Order instructs newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to take immediate and decisive action to halt essential operations within the Education Department, ensuring that all necessary measures are implemented to shut down key functions. While only an act of Congress can completely sunset the ED, Trump has wasted no time seeking to fundamentally change our country’s approach and investment in education.
The Trump administration also recently announced a push to move the management of the federal student loan portfolio to the Small Business Administration, with the aim of moving special education programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services. Numerous education advocacy groups have filed lawsuits to block Trump’s attempts to further dismantle the department.
Last month, a federal Circuit Court of Appeals issued an injunction to block the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The future of SAVE, which would have provided millions of borrowers with reduced monthly payments and a faster path to loan forgiveness, remains largely uncertain. However, recent reports indicate the Education Department plans to reopen income-driven repayment plans soon.
We are also closely watching the effect of Trump’s rollback on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in schools. Be on the lookout for information and training on organizing around this and other issues.
Money Moves: Senate Budget Reconciliation, House Budget Resolution, Appropriations & Government Shutdown
Confused about what budget reconciliation even is? Check out this NPR piece to learn more.
URGE Notes:
- These votes and processes matter to us because they are paving the way to make cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP, particularly when the House passed a budget resolution that would cut $880 billion.
- Government Shutdown & Continuing Resolution: Lawmakers had an opportunity to push back on the Trump administration’s overreach in the funding power of Congress. However, Republicans and some Democrats voted to pass the unfavorable continuing resolution, effectively giving Trump greater power over budget.
SAVE Act – Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
Not to be confused with Biden’s student loan repayment and forgiveness plan, the SAVE Act would require Americans to provide documentation proof of citizenship, in person, when they register to vote, and every time they update their registration information.
URGE notes:
- Voters would have to travel to their election office during business hours and present documentation to election officials.
- This legislation has the potential to disenfranchise millions of voters due unnecessary barriers being put in place, from long distances to lack of documentation (21.3 million Americans don’t have access to appropriate documents) to name changes.
This bill passed in the House last year but failed in the Senate. With a new, more conservative Congress, there is a stronger chance it succeeds, and we are keeping a close watch on this egregious attack on democracy.
Nominations & Confirmations
Why they matter: Presidential nominees lead our government agencies and have the power to change agency rules and regulations through administrative law that impact the lives of all Americans. This is directly tied to the democratic process and takes place through the Senate and Senate Committees, depending on the agency a nominee will lead.
At URGE, we’ve been paying especially close attention to the following nominations: Attorney General, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, Director of the Department of Education, and the Director of the Food & Drug Administration, Director of the Center for Disease Control, and Director of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Confirmed: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr – Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Confirmed: Linda McMahon – Secretary of Education
- Confirmed: Pam Bondi – Attorney General
- Confirmed: Martin MaKary – FDA
- UPCOMING: Director of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, pending Senate Floor vote to confirm the nomination
- UPCOMING: Director of the CDC, Susan Monarez, Senate HELP Committee Hearing
We’ll continue to monitor all things policy: Executive Orders, harmful bills, confirmations, and other important decisions made by lawmakers. Look for the next policy update in April!
What I do at URGE:As the Senior Director of Policy my focus is on creating and executing strategy for our state and federal policy work. …
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