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What We’re Reading This Week, June 13-17

Here’s a selection of articles the Federal Relations team is enjoying this week.

No Credit – The Education Department on Wednesday recommended that the organization that accredits many of the nation’s for-profit colleges and vocational schools shouldn’t be recognized, a step that could threaten access to nearly $5 billion in federal financial aid for more than 800,000 students. The decision also has the potential to hasten the consolidation of the for-profit college sector as it could drive out of business many schools that lose access to student loans as well as students leery of attending schools under the regulatory microscope. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

Tree Lined Paths (AOC)
Tree Lined Paths (AOC)

Game Over – Russia’s track and field team has been barred from competing in this summer’s Rio Games because of a far-reaching doping conspiracy, an extraordinary punishment that might be without precedent in Olympics history. Read more in The New York Times. 

Gun Control – After a 15 hour filibuster this week, the Senate is set to begin a series of gun-related votes as early as  Monday, with Democrats pledging to work through the weekend to secure GOP support.  Read more in Roll Call. 

Terrorists and Guns via the New York Times. 

Perks – When public college or university presidents are hired, their salaries always attract attention. But new research suggests the real growth in executive costs may be due to expenses and benefits, which these days go beyond the charge to live in the president’s mansion. Presidents’ contracts have become long, complex and stuffed with extra benefits going far beyond base salary and a place to live, according to new research from James Finkelstein, a public policy professor at George Mason University who has been analyzing presidential contracts for several years. Finkelstein is scheduled to share his findings at the American Association of University Professors’ annual conference Thursday in Washington. Read more at Inside Higher Ed. 

Zika – The Senate agreed by voice vote Wednesday night to join the House in formal negotiations over a Zika virus response package, the latest incremental step toward clearing a bill for President Barack Obama’s signature. Read more in Roll Call. 

Yughly Terrible – GOP insiders said Trump’s response to the incident was “only fair” or “poor” — with nearly half of all Republicans rating it poor. Read more at Politico.