June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Higher Ed - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 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

• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. Technology Leadership: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing titled 'American Global Competitiveness at 250: Legislative Proposals to Secure U.S. Technology Leadership' on June 30, 2026, in Rayburn Office Building room 2123.

Federal Government News

Executive Order 14411: Advancing U.S. Quantum Information Science and Technology

President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14411 on June 22, 2026, establishing a strategy to accelerate U.S. leadership in Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST). The order directs updates to the National Quantum Strategy and mandates the creation of the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) Effort. Key provisions address commercialization, supply chain security, international collaboration, and workforce expansion, including new apprenticeships and credentialing initiatives. Agencies are instructed to coordinate with the private sector and allies to maintain U.S. dominance in quantum innovation, manufacturing, and application. Progress reporting requirements are included.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order 14409: Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

Executive Order 14409, issued June 22, 2026, establishes a federal policy to shift information systems to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. The Office of Management and Budget and National Cyber Director are assigned coordination duties; NIST, NSA, and CISA provide technical guidance. Federal agencies must designate PQC migration leads and transition high-value assets by specified deadlines. Procurement policies are updated to ensure compliance and cost efficiency, with international and industry cooperation highlighted. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is tasked with enforcing new cybersecurity standards for contractors by 2030.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Education Department Sets 2026-2027 Federal Student Aid Deadline Dates

The Education Department published detailed deadlines for submission of reports and records associated with FAFSA, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and TEACH Grant programs for the 2026-2027 award year. Critical dates include the FAFSA submission deadline (June 30, 2027) and multiple deadlines for corrections, verification documents, and disbursement reporting. Institutions and applicants must comply with outlined timelines for eligibility and funding, with guidance available via the Federal Student Aid Partner Connect website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Application Deadlines Adjusted for Federal Grants Following Major Disaster Declarations

The Education Department announced that, when the President declares a Major Disaster, competition deadlines for discretionary grant applications may be extended or reopened for applicants in affected areas, subject to Department approval. Eligibility criteria require affected applicants to be located in federally declared disaster areas and may involve supporting documentation. Extensions will generally not exceed five business days, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Updated deadlines and relevant application instructions are published on Grants.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Institute of Food and Agriculture to Extend SBIR/STTR Certification Collections

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA, intends to extend the information collection for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Lifecycle Certification. The extension affects approximately 180 respondents annually and supports grants targeted at high-quality research and commercialization in agriculture. The program has been reauthorized through September 30, 2031 under the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act. Comments on certification requirements are invited through August 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9469: Support for Outcomes-Based Student Financing Tools

Bill 9469 was introduced in the House to establish consumer protection frameworks that foster outcomes-based student financing mechanisms for workforce training and postsecondary education. The bill was referred to multiple committees, including Financial Services, Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, and Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4897: Prior Learning Assessment Costs in Higher Education Act

Bill 4897, introduced in the Senate, proposes amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include allowances for prior learning assessment costs in calculating student cost of attendance. It is currently referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4934: Establishment of National Fab Lab Network

Senate Bill 4934 seeks to create a national nonprofit network of digital fabrication facilities for STEM education, workforce development, invention, and risk mitigation. The bill is under review by the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4898: Grants for Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers

Bill 4889 would authorize grants for recruitment and development of the direct care workforce and support for family caregivers. Action taken: Read twice and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1386: Consideration for Lowering Federal Student Loan Interest Rates

Bill 1386 provides for House Rules Committee consideration of H.R. 2003, a proposal to lower the interest rate on Federal student loans to 2 percent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Will the Education Department’s research arm survive Trump?: Analysis on the potential impact of Trump administration changes on federal education research functions.
• Judge blocks Trump plan that would limit graduate student loans in nursing and other fields: Federal court decision halts new restrictions on graduate student loan borrowing.
• Is college worth it? Here are the majors that pay off.: Report examines which college majors offer the greatest long-term financial returns.
• ‘Founder’ Is the New Brass Ring for Computer Science Grads: Increasing trend of computer science graduates aspiring to launch startups.
• Johns Hopkins University lays off over 100 employees, cites federal funding cuts: Johns Hopkins University announces layoffs attributed to reductions in federal funding.
• The New Push to Ready Millions for AI Career Upheaval: Efforts across sectors aim to prepare workers for rapid changes in AI-driven careers.
• The High School Pipeline to South Korea’s Chip-Making Fortunes: South Korea expands chip manufacturing talent by leveraging specialized high school programs.
• HHS wants to boost American clinical trial research: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks to strengthen domestic clinical trial capacity.
• US judge blocks Trump administration's new student loan restrictions: A federal judge stops implementation of new student loan rules proposed by Trump administration.

.