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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Dates: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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 HELP Committee Schedules Hearing on Foreign Influence in Higher Education: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on transparency and trust regarding foreign influence in higher education. The session is set for March 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building 430.

Federal Government News

U.S. Department of Energy Further Delays Rescinding Sex Discrimination Regulations in Education

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy published notice of a further delay to the effective date for its direct final rule rescinding regulations related to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. The new effective date is set for July 6, 2026, previously postponed several times since the original May 16, 2025 announcement. DOE is extending the deadline to follow Department of Justice guidance required under Executive Orders 14281 and 12250 regarding nondiscrimination laws. The agency indicates that this action is exempt from notice and comment procedures as it constitutes a rule of procedure. For further information, stakeholders may contact Jeffrey Novak at the DOE Office of the General Counsel.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIH Center for Scientific Review Proposes Revision to Early Career Reviewer Program Online System

The National Institutes of Health's Center for Scientific Review has issued a proposed revision to its Early Career Reviewer Program Online Application and Vetting System. The modification removes an employment characteristic question and updates burden hours due to increased applications, now estimated at 620 hours annually with 1,488 respondents. The online system collects applicant information including expertise and study section preferences, used for training in the NIH peer review process and expanding the reviewer pool. Public comments are invited by May 4, 2026, addressing necessity, accuracy, quality, and burden minimization.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces Ratepayer Protection Pledge for AI and Data Center Energy Costs

President Donald J. Trump issued the Ratepayer Protection Pledge on March 4, 2026, requiring seven U.S. hyperscalers and AI companies—including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI—to cover all costs of energy and infrastructure for their data centers and negotiate separate utility rates. The pledge aims to ensure American households are insulated from higher energy costs, with companies coordinating with grid operators to boost reliability, resiliency, and prevent blackouts. Commitments include hiring and training local talent, job creation, and skills development. The administration’s broader energy policies involve expanding domestic production, reducing regulatory burdens, and increasing nuclear capacity. Major actions are tied to the

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

Department of Education Seeks Comment on Proposed Priorities for Comprehensive Centers Program

On March 3, 2026, the Department of Education published proposed priorities, requirements, and definitions for the Comprehensive Centers Program. The notice outlines plans for a redesigned structure, including a National Center, Regional Centers, and Content Centers, with an aim to improve capacity-building services for state and local educational agencies. The Department requests feedback by April 2, 2026, especially on preferences for the geographic configuration and size of Regional Centers. The proposal details application and program requirements, restricted indirect cost rates, and coordination with State Learning Agendas. Final priorities will follow public comment and may be implemented in fiscal year 2026 and later.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOT Extends Request for Information on Transportation Digital Infrastructure Strategy

The Department of Transportation’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology announced an extension to its request for information (RFI) concerning research activities related to Transportation Digital Infrastructure (TDI). Originally closing on March 6, 2026, the deadline is now March 20, 2026. The RFI solicits input on research, development, and deployment priorities for establishing a coordinated national TDI strategy. Respondents are advised to keep submissions under 10 MB and focus on topics within their expertise, excluding confidential data. The notice is part of DOT’s broader initiative to modernize national transportation systems.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HRSA Revises Data Collection for Health Workforce Training Grants

On March 6, 2026, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced a revision to data collection requirements for its Bureau of Health Workforce’s research and training grants. The revised standardized work plan form and quarterly progress updates will allow recipients to report activity status, optimizing compliance and monitoring. Changes include new response options to clarify activity timing and necessity. Applicants and recipients should submit comments regarding the ICR burden and process by May 5, 2026. Estimated annual burden is 1,400 hours across roughly 1,000 respondents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

STEAM Act Advances in House

The STEAM Act (Bill 1077), focusing on energy policy, was ordered to be reported by unanimous consent in the House of Representatives. The legislative action signals committee support, with further consideration expected as the bill moves forward.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• A Vexing Problem for College Students: Course Availability: College students face persistent difficulty enrolling in required courses, affecting time to graduation.
• A New Lost Generation: Why Gen Z Is Unprepared for the Workplace: Gen Z workers are reportedly missing key workplace skills, creating challenges for employers and education leaders.
• Law school offers its own student loans as US borrowing cap looms: A U.S. law school launches its own student loan program as federal borrowing limits threaten access.
• The War in Iran: A Place for Student Questions and Reactions: Students are raising questions and sharing reactions regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran, offering a forum for discussion.

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