May 31, 2026 to June 06, 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

• Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Hearing on AI and the American Dream: The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on June 11 to examine artificial intelligence's impact on innovation, affordability, and American dominance. Scheduled for Dirksen Senate Office Building, 2 p.m.
• House Education and Workforce Hearing: 'Calling the Fouls: Accountability and Transparency in NCAA Enforcement': On June 12, the House Education and Workforce Committee will convene at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in Memphis for a hearing focused on NCAA enforcement transparency.
• House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearing on Healthcare Access via Locum Tenens Providers: On June 9, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections will meet in Rayburn 2175 to discuss access strengthening through locum tenens providers. Witnesses include representatives from I4AW, CHG Healthcare, AI Now Institute, and Mercatus Center.

Federal Government News

Federal Need Analysis Methodology Updates for 2027-28 Student Aid Index

The Department of Education published its annual updates to tables used in the Federal Need Analysis Methodology for determining Student Aid Index eligibility for the 2027-28 award year across multiple aid programs, including Federal Pell Grant and TEACH Grant. The updated tables, required by law, adjust allowances for inflation based on Consumer Price Index changes, affecting calculations of income protection, asset protection, business/farm net worth, assessment schedules, and employment expense. The notice details revised figures for allowances based on family size and marital status, specific asset protection values, and contribution schedules for parents and independent students. These changes are used by financial aid offices to determine eligibility and distribution for federal student aid programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education: Postsecondary Student Success Grants Program Competition Announced

The Departments of Education and Labor have announced the Fiscal Year 2026 competition for Postsecondary Student Success Grants, with applications due June 29, 2026. Up to $8 million may be awarded per project for up to four years. Priorities include leveraging artificial intelligence to support student outcomes, career pathways, short-term program development, and financing models. The program supports projects designed to improve student retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion through evidence-based strategies. Eligible applicants can access details and apply via official government and departmental websites.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Technical Assistance Center Grants for Postsecondary Education and Training for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services is accepting applications for grants to establish a National Technical Assistance Center focused on postsecondary and vocational training for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Applications must be submitted by July 30, 2026. The program allocates up to $4 million per 12-month budget period; funds are segmented across technical assistance, personnel development, and educational technology. The initiative is open to institutions of higher education, state/local agencies, tribal organizations, and private nonprofits.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Signs Executive Orders Restructuring Federal AI Innovation and Security

On June 2, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The order sets directives for federal agencies to prioritize cyber defense, establishes an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse, and identifies grant opportunities for AI vulnerability detection and secure innovation. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing laws against criminal misuse of AI. Voluntary frameworks invite collaboration between federal agencies and private AI developers without mandatory licensing. The order rescinds Biden-era policies and prohibits overregulation. Previous actions include the release of a National Cyber Strategy and executive orders to prevent biased models. These directives apply to federal systems, critical infrastructure, and research partnerships.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

National Security Presidential Memorandum on Integration of AI in National Security Enterprise

President Trump issued NSPM-11 on June 5, outlining a strategy for integrating artificial intelligence into national security operations. The memorandum mandates deployment of advanced, robust AI systems to support warfighters and intelligence professionals, and establishes frameworks for adoption, assurance, and accountability. Policies are updated for AI in weapon systems; contracts with non-compliant vendors may be terminated. The directive calls for the development of high-security computing facilities, partnerships with industry, and annual reviews of guidance. The Secretary of War is responsible for updating policies on autonomous technologies, and unauthorized modification is prohibited. NSPM-11 replaces prior Biden Administration guidance and positions the U.S. for continued leadership in AI related to national security.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Student Loan Refinancing Amendments to the Higher Education Act

Bill 9166 proposes amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 allowing certain federal student loans to be refinanced. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

FAFSA Identity Fraud Detection System Mandate

H.R. 7892, referenced in Resolution 1333, would require the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system on all FAFSA applications. The measure advanced under committee rule, alongside bills for Agriculture appropriations and Child Care grant fund integrity.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Higher Education Act PII Protection Bill

Bill 9134 seeks to prevent personally identifiable information provided in FAFSA applications from being used for immigration enforcement. The legislation was referred to the House Education and Workforce Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Manufacturing Workforce Education Exchange Proposal

Bill 9097 calls for a new educational exchange program to strengthen manufacturing workforce education. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Comprehensive Literacy Grant Program Enhancement

Bill 4689 targets improvements in literacy outcomes, amends the comprehensive literacy grant program, and calls for enhanced federal research and teacher preparation investment. The bill was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• A Job Market Leaving Young Graduates Behind Could Scar Them for Years: Young graduates face long-term career challenges amid a weak job market.
• Remote Work May Be Fueling Youth Unemployment: Remote work trends may be contributing to increased youth unemployment rates.
• UC Berkeley grants suspended over ‘foreign funding.’ Some researchers say they didn’t take any.: UC Berkeley research grants were halted over foreign funding concerns as affected researchers dispute allegations.
• New Federal Guidelines Threaten Almost Half of Graduate Arts Programs: Revised federal rules place significant pressure on nearly half of graduate arts programs regarding student earnings.
• A University System Went All In on A.I. Now It’s Tearing Itself Apart.: A California university's rapid AI adoption fuels internal disputes and campus instability.
• Will Doctors Trade 5 Years In Rural Hawaiʻi For Free Med School?: Hawaii offers medical school grants tied to rural service amid physician shortages.
• Video: How the Job Market Is Leaving New Graduates Behind: Video examines financial consequences for recent graduates entering a challenging labor market.
• Inside Trump’s Strategy to Push Out Immigrants, and How Tech Giants Targeted Teens at School: Trump administration actions impact immigration and student technology access.

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