Advocacy and Higher Education Policy Update
A new Congress is in session, President Biden signs veteran education benefits change into law, the U.S. Department of Education announces regulatory negotiations for accreditation, and more.
2023 HLC Advocacy Agenda
The 2023 HLC Advocacy Agenda has been published and includes HLC’s strategic priorities for advocacy at the federal- and state-government levels. While no new significant priorities have been added for 2023, HLC encourages its member institutions to review the Advocacy Agenda annually and provide feedback. Comments can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Administration
At the end of December, President Biden signed into law the Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act which makes it easier for veterans with fewer than 12 credits at a closed school to restore their GI Bill entitlement and eliminates the end date requirement.
The U.S. Department of Education intends to begin rulemaking on accreditation and other topics later this year. HLC will continue to inform its members of the topics and process as they emerge.
Congress
At the end of December, Congress passed its full-year $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package called the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which was signed into law by President Biden. It includes a $500 increase in the maximum Pell Grant award to $7,395. Another higher education highlight includes an increase to $1 billion in funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions.
The 118th Congress of the United States convened on January 3 and will continue through January 3, 2025. In the Senate, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will be chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and the ranking member will be Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). In the House, the Education and Workforce Committee will be chaired by Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and the ranking member will be Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA).
Courts
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear challenges to the Biden administration’s plan to cancel up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt for most borrowers (or up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients). A ruling is expected this spring.
States
HLC will host its state agencies and system offices reception on the Monday evening of the Annual Conference . Please register as a state agency representative for the Conference to receive the same pricing as member institutions and receive an invite to the reception.
