May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, international students, student housing, research initiatives, and federal research funding opportunities. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• "Building an AI-Ready America: Higher Education in the Age of AI": The House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold a hearing on "Building an AI-Ready America: Higher Education in the Age of AI" at the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2175, on June 3, 2026, at 2:15 p.m.
• Hearings to examine college sports, supporting student athletes, and fair competition.: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will convene an open hearing titled "Hearings to examine college sports, supporting student athletes, and fair competition" at the Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253, on June 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
• Advancing Environmental Protection Through Science and Technology: On June 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment will hold a hearing titled "Advancing Environmental Protection Through Science and Technology" in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2318.
• “Medicines and IP: Balancing Innovation and Access”: The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet will conduct a hearing on "Medicines and IP: Balancing Innovation and Access" in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2141, scheduled for June 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Federal Government News

Notice Announcing Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education—Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program Competition

The Department of Education and the Department of Labor are soliciting proposals for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)—HBCU and TCCU Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program, offering up to $5 million over a 48-month period. The program supports four-year HBCUs and TCCUs with funding for research infrastructure, productivity enhancements, graduate programs, human capital development, and external funding partnerships. Priorities for the FY 2026 competition include investments specific to HBCUs and TCCUs, and alignment of R&D activities with workforce development. Complete application details are available on the ED, DOL, and Grants.gov websites, with a submission deadline of June 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Powering America’s Future: President Trump’s Policies Fuel Demand for Skilled American Workers

According to a White House release, President Trump’s workforce agenda has driven a significant uptick in skilled trades, with 60% of Gen Z reportedly planning to pursue trade work and labor shortages affecting 94% of U.S. contractors. Recent reforms target expanded workforce training—including a goal of one million new apprenticeships—broadened Pell Grants, enhanced 529 savings plans, and elimination of overtime taxes. The Department of Education introduced the Workforce Pell Grant program, and the Department of Labor awarded $229 million in apprenticeship grants for critical sectors, integrating AI skills into training. Major tech firms have increased investment in apprenticeship programs amid growth in demand for skilled labor in construction and technical fields.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Notice Announcing Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education—Basic Needs Program Competition

The Department of Education, with DOL collaboration, is soliciting applications for the FIPSE—Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.116N, which offers up to $5 million over 48 months. The initiative supports systemic solutions to student basic needs insecurity and reporting on effective support practices and outcomes. The competition outlines priorities, including returning education program authority to states, basic needs security, and connecting students to work-based learning. Submission deadline is June 23, 2026. Application details are available online at ED, DOL, and Grants.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposal Review Panel for Graduate Education; Committee Renewal

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is renewing its Proposal Review Panel for Graduate Education for a two-year term effective June 26, 2026. This panel, comprised of up to 4,000 members across 108 meetings, provides review and evaluation of proposals within NSF’s graduate education portfolio, supporting grant recommendations totaling over $103 million annually. The committee ensures broad disciplinary coverage and balanced institutional representation, facilitating NSF’s merit review process for grants in fundamental and applied STEM research, workforce development, and interdisciplinary education. Renewal reflects the panel’s alignment with NSF’s mandate and ongoing agency needs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice Announcing Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education—Open Textbook Pilot Program Competition

The Department of Education, in partnership with DOL, announced the Open Textbook Pilot Program competition under FIPSE, Assistance Listing Number 84.116T. The program aims to fund projects at eligible institutions or state agencies to produce and expand open textbooks in high-enrollment and in-demand fields. Priorities include collaboration, marketplace gap remediation, student success, and advancing AI-supported education. Maximum award is $2 million over a 48-month period, and proposals are due June 23, 2026. Details are posted on ED, DOL, and Grants.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Minority Fellowship Program.

Bill 9044 proposes reauthorizing the Minority Fellowship Program under title V of the Public Health Service Act. The most recent action was referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Recognizing the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre.

Bill 1324, which seeks to recognize the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre, was referred to the Judiciary Committee and additionally to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The Speaker will subsequently determine the period for each committee’s review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Rahm Emanuel, a Possible 2028 Contender, Calls for Higher Education Reforms: Emanuel urges changes to higher education funding and student loan structure amid a possible presidential campaign.
• Research Funding Slows Again for Universities Targeted by White House: Federal research funding decreases for institutions singled out by recent federal executive actions.
• Opinion | The Cities Where Graduates Can Thrive: Analysis examines U.S. cities offering promising employment prospects for recent graduates.
• Student Loan Repayments Are Being Overhauled. What Borrowers Should Know.: Coverage details changes to student loan repayment terms and federal SAVE plan updates.
• One in six young Britons risk joblessness trap, report warns: UK report finds one in six youth at risk of unemployment or leaving education and workforce participation.
• Fake grant email promises $4.5 Million but could steal your identity: Warnings issued about fraudulent grant offers targeting higher education applicants.

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