On November 15, President Biden signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will invest more than $1.2 trillion in roads, bridges, broadband, and related projects over five years, including $550 billion in new spending. Of possible interest to universities, this package includes new spending for climate and energy at the Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other agencies. There are also new funding lines in transportation and other infrastructure in this bill. Additional energy and climate measures, and other investments in research and education, are included in the Build Back Better reconciliation package, which is pending in the Senate.... Read more about Potential Programs of Interest to Higher Education in The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

This morning, the Senate capped off an unusually long summer session with passage (50-49) of a $3.5 trillion FY22 budget resolution, on the heels of this week’s earlier vote (69-30) on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, two of President Biden’s top domestic priorities. While both measures must still be considered by the House, their passage in the Senate sets up a packed congressional agenda for the fall, including a FY22 reconciliation bill (made possible by enactment of the budget resolution) to include tax, entitlement, and other mandatory spending, the FY22 funding bills, the annual Defense authorization, and legislation to address the federal debt-limit. With slim Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and significant ideological divides within the party, navigating a successful path forward will prove a difficult test for Congress and the White House.... Read more about Federal Update: Congress Caps Long Summer with Progress on Infrastructure, FY22

In the first budget request of his presidency, President Joe Biden is proposing historic increases in non-defense discretionary funding. April’s preview of the discretionary spending proposal provided topline information – $1.52 trillion total, with $769 billion for non-defense (+16 percent) and $753 billion for defense (+1.7 percent) – but few details. The full budget request provides details on the Biden Administration’s priorities for education, health, climate, and social programs as part of the annual spending process, which would be complemented by the President’s ambitious American Jobs and Families Plans.... Read more about Federal Update: President Biden Releases Detailed FY22 Budget Request

In March, Congress enacted President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, building on earlier emergency COVID funding provided in the CARES Act and 2020 year-end spending package. As those relief funds are being disbursed, the Administration has pivoted to an ambitious infrastructure plan and Fiscal Year 2022 federal funding.... Read more about President Biden Releases Infrastructure Plan and Previews FY22

Having extended its post-election lame duck session by nearly two weeks, the 116^th Congress finally reached agreement on full-year FY21 funding and its fourth large-scale package of emergency COVID-19 relief before recessing for the holidays and giving way to the 117^th Congress in the new year.... Read more about The 116th Congress Plans to Adjourn: Lawmakers Agree to Full-Year FY21 Funding, Targeted COVID-19 Relief

Ahead of its traditional monthlong break beginning August 7, Congress is working to move forward and, in some cases, complete action on critical funding measures. The House has made substantial progress on FY21 legislation with a goal of completing action on all 12 appropriations bills within the next week. Less clear at this point but considered a must-do across the government is the next COVID-19 relief package. Finally, the annual FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – setting defense policy for the next year – is well underway, although final approval is not expected until September.... Read more about Facing a Lengthy To-Do List, Congress Begins Stretch Run to August Recess