April 3, 2020
What We’re Reading this Week (March 30th-April 3rd, 2020)
Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week. COVID-19: President Trump extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April, current projections indicate as many as 100,000 deaths, and the CDC now recommends Americans wear masks. Live updates at CNN. Iran Tensions: President Trump has stated that Iranian-backed militia are…
April 2, 2020
NOAA Publishes COVID-19 Guidance for Grant Recipients
NOAA has made available guidance regarding research impacted due to COVID-19 and suspension of campus operations. Researchers with grants funded by NOAA should review the document to determine reporting requirements and the possibility of extensions. The full document is available here.
April 1, 2020
Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier Named NSF Acting Director
Dr. Kelvin Droegemier has been named the Acting Director of the National Science Foundation effective March 31st, 2020. Until yesterday, he was Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Science Advisor to President Trump.
Dept of Education Releases New Distance Learning Regulations
The US Department of Education has revealed new rules impacting distance learning; the Distance Learning and Innovation regulation is available in the Federal Register and is now open for a 30 day public comment period. The Department plans to publish a final regulation prior to November 1st, 2020. The new regulation would implement: Emphasize demonstrated learning over…
March 30, 2020
House Extends District Work Period
The US House of Representatives has extended the district work period until at least April 20th, 2020 to comply with CDC guidelines. However, members will be called to Washington, DC as needed to vote on any critical or COVID-19 related legislation. Floor schedule updates can be found here.
March 27, 2020
Spending Package Signed Into Law
Shortly after the House passed the massive $2-trillion spending package earlier this afternoon, it was signed into law by the president. Read more about today’s activities here and here.
House Passes $2 Trillion Emergency Bill
The US House of Representatives has passed the $2 trillion emergency supplemental appropriations bill (CARES Act). Members returned early to Washington, DC specifically to vote on this legislation. The bill has already passed in the Senate, and now goes to President Trump to be signed into law. The President is expected to sign it imminently.
March 26, 2020
NSF Releases FAQs for Proposers and Awardees, Establishes Website on COVID-19
Earlier today, NSF released an FAQs document for proposers and awardees with respect to the impact of COVID-19. It is available here. It is part of a larger NSF special report website related to NSF-relevant COVID-19 issues, which is available here.
UW Office of Research: FAQs Related to Stay-at-Home Order
The University of Washington Office of Research has created a document answering various FAQs related to the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order and how UW will maintain critical research. The document is available here and will be updated periodically.
House to Take Up Emergency Bill on Friday
As noted earlier this morning, the Senate passed the $2-trillion relief package last night by a vote of 96 to 0. Before the vote on final passage, there was plenty of last-minute drama that had to be addressed. One of the late issues was raised by a group of conservative Senators who raised objections to…