What’s Going on With Budget Reconciliation, and Why Should Higher Ed Care?

The fate of two new spending plans—the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the separate $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill designed to advance the Biden administration’s other priorities, including for higher education—remains uncertain as we open the new season of dotEDU. ACE Senior Vice President Terry Hartle and dotedu host Sarah Spreitzer unpack where Congress stands on reconciliation and what it means for students and institutions, and then discuss efforts to enhance research security and the ability of the United States to compete with China, and what might be done to help Afghan students and scholars. This season, we’ll continue our conversations with leaders in the higher education policy sphere, but in a crossover with the ACE Public Policy Pop Up, every other episode will feature Terry Hartle in an in-depth discussion of recent policy developments in Washington. Watch this page for more information about the Pop Up, a free live event held monthly, or email podcast@acenet.edu to be added to the mailing list to receive a link to register when its available. House Committee Approves Substantial Increases for Higher Education Programs, Student Aid in Reconciliation Bill  Biden’s Promise to HBCUs Unfulfilled by Congress Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 22, 2021 Dems Fear Biden’s Domestic Agenda Could Implode Politico | Sept. 21, 2021 Tensions Spike Over New Research-Security Proposals Targeting China National Journal | Sept. 16, 2021 Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Supporting Afghan Students and Scholars More Universities, Higher Ed Groups Step Up To Help Afghan Refugees Forbes | Aug. 29, 2021 ABOUT THE SHOW Each episode of dotEDU presents a deep dive into a major public policy issue impacting college campuses and students across the country. Hosts from ACE are joined by guest experts to lead you through thought-provoking conversations on topics such as campus free speech, diversity in admissions, college costs and affordability, and more. Find all episodes of the podcast at the dotEDU page. Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email podcast@acenet.edu. HOSTS Jon Fansmith is a director of government relations at ACE. He represents ACE and its members on matters related to the federal budget and appropriations process, with a particular focus on student aid. Mushtaq Gunja serves as vice president and chief of staff at ACE, where he is in charge of strategic initiatives, communications, and membership. Sarah Spreitzer is a director of government relations at ACE. She represents ACE and its members on matters related to research policy and funding, federal policy, international students, immigration, and legislative issues.