The Weekly Update

Assembly Committee on Education

Last week, the Assembly Committee on Education held an executive session on AB 582, relating to: dual enrollment programs, creating the Council on Dual Enrollment, and transfer of postsecondary course credits. The bill passed out of committee on a 9-3 vote in favor. The Universities of Wisconsin testified on this legislation for information only during the public hearing, and you can view our written testimony below.

Universities Of WI AB 582 Testimony pdf

Please check back for future updates.

Government Funding Updates

On November 9, 2025, the Senate via a vote of 60-40 invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371. This procedural vote allows the Senate to begin consideration of legislation that would have the effect of reopening the government.

The situation remains fluid with Senate votes anticipated this week and the House on notice to return to DC. As Congress continues to work toward a funding solution, updates will be shared as appropriate.

Negotiated Rulemaking Update

On November 6, 2025, the Department of Education announced the conclusion of the agency's negotiated rulemaking session. The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee reached consensus on changes to federal student loans stemming from H.R.1 -  the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

At the time of the announcement, Under Secretary of Education Nicolas Kent said, “We appreciate the committee's efforts to assist the Department in implementing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will simplify our complex student loan repayment system and better align higher education with workforce needs. The consensus language agreed upon by the negotiators today will help drive a sea change in higher education by holding universities accountable for outcomes and putting significant downward pressure on the cost of tuition. This will benefit borrowers who will no longer be pushed into insurmountable debt to finance degrees that do not pay off.” 

In the coming days, the Department will draft a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which will be available in the Federal Register for review and comment. As included in the press release, for “more information on the negotiated rulemaking process, see here.”

House Judiciary Committee Report

Last week, the House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report related to George Mason University. The report is titled, "Illegal Racial Discrimination in Faculty Hiring at George Mason University Under the Direction of President Gregory Washington."

For more, you can review the linked report above and review the following transcripts the committee provided in the press release if interested. 

House Select Committee on the CCP Update

Last week, the Select Committee on the CCP issued a release related to Columbia University and partnerships with the China-United States Exchange Foundation.

For more, you can review the linked release above or review a letter to Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman from Chairman Moolenaar.

Full House and Senate Hearing Schedule

If interested, you can see a full list of upcoming hearings on the Senate Hearings & Meetings Page. A review of the committee hearings in the House of Representatives is available via the Committee Schedule within the House of Representatives Legislative Activity section on the Chamber’s main page.  

House and Senate Floor Schedules

When the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, a full list of votes will be found on the respective websites for the House of Representatives and the Senate.