July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Business Meeting—Special Education & Higher Ed Legislation: On July 30, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will hold a business meeting to consider bills affecting special education, student data privacy, literacy outcomes, and nominations for federal appointments.

Federal Government News

DOE Rescinds Disparate-Impact Provisions from Title VI Agency Regulations

The Department of Education amended its Title VI regulations on July 24, removing provisions that had authorized disparate-impact liability in cases of race, color, or national origin discrimination. The rule aligns the regulations with statutory requirements and Executive Order 14281, clarifying that only intentional discrimination is prohibited. Affirmative action language not tailored to specific instances of prior discrimination was also eliminated. Related employment practice provisions with ambiguous jurisdiction were rescinded. The changes add clarity for recipients of federal funding, restrict the scope of enforcement, and harmonize Department rules with recent Justice Department actions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOE Rescinds Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination in Vocational Education Programs

The Department of Education issued a final rule on July 23 rescinding longstanding Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, and Handicap in Vocational Education Programs. The rescission, effective immediately, removes proactive compliance mandates that had required state education agencies to conduct reviews, submit biennial reports, and negotiate voluntary compliance plans relating to vocational education. Existing nondiscrimination statutes and regulations remain unchanged.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Waivers and Extensions of Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) Project Periods

On July 24, the Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education finalized waivers and extensions for 36 NACTEP project periods under Assistance Listing Number 84.101A, extending those grants for an additional year through September 30, 2027. The extensions are intended to provide continuity of services for current program participants, with plans for new competitions scheduled for FY 2027. Comments from public stakeholders were largely in support, and current recipients will continue activities consistent with prior approved applications.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces $5 Billion for Genesis Mission: AI-Driven Scientific Research

The White House announced more than $5 billion in federal commitments for expanding the Genesis Mission, a national initiative launched in November 2025 to integrate AI across scientific domains. Led by 15 federal agencies including DOE, NASA, and HHS, funding will support shared infrastructure, new research awards, and development in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and quantum computing. The mission aims to double domestic R&D output and accelerate translation of scientific discoveries.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

OSTP Releases 'Science: A New Golden Age' Report on Revitalizing U.S. R&D

On July 21, OSTP Director Michael Kratsios released the report 'Science: A New Golden Age,' proposing reforms to U.S. research and development. Four pillars include agency reform, focus on critical technologies, a national AI-powered scientific enterprise, and broader STEM education and regional innovation. Accompanying the report, OMB directed federal agencies to submit action plans for implementation within 90 days.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Senate Considers AI-Powered Innovation Partnerships and Community Capacity Grants

Bill S.5050 seeks to build interdisciplinary research communities for advancing AI innovation through partnerships at higher education institutions. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Higher Education Accreditation Reform Advances in Senate

Bill S.5053, targeting reform of accreditation standards and procedures for institutions of higher education, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Workforce Development Innovation Grants Proposed

Bill S.5077 authorizes workforce development innovation grants for evidence-based workforce programs, implementation, and evaluation. It has been referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Admissions Practices: Alumni/Donor Preference Data Collection Bill Introduced

Bill S.5116 would amend the Higher Education Act to require accreditation standards that assess institutions refraining from preferential treatment in admissions based on alumni and donor relationships, and calls for a feasibility study on related data collection. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expansion of Student Costs: Licensure, Certification, and Aviation Training

Bill H.R.9896 modifies the Higher Education Act to include certain licensure, certification, and aviation training costs in calculations of student attendance cost. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Indian students cool on 'American Dream' as EU opens its doors: Indian students increasingly choose EU universities over U.S. options, citing new migration policies and job prospects.
• Essay | Is It Time to ‘Liquidate’ the Study of Sociology?: Debate resurfaces over the value and direction of sociology in U.S. academic institutions.
• Education Department rescinds disparate impact rule, a key tool used to assess school discrimination: DOE's rescission of the disparate impact rule alters federal discrimination investigations in schools.
• Trump’s Plan for Science: More Money for A.I., Less for Universities: AI research receives significant federal funding as university-based projects lose budget priority.
• Health Care Agency Discontinues Dozens of Active Research Awards: AHRQ halts multiple research grants amid shifts in federal support for health science.
• FY 2027 Continuing Resolution (CR) Appropriations Issues: Discussion on appropriations challenges for FY 2027, including implications for education funding streams.
• US Education Department probes five medical schools over admissions practices: Federal investigation targets admissions policies at five U.S. medical schools.
• The best 250 trade schools in the US, according to USA TODAY: USA TODAY publishes its rankings of top American trade and vocational institutions.

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