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News and updates

WA Members Participate in Baseball Game for Charity

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On a rainy Wednesday evening in the nation’s capital, Members of Congress took the field at Nationals Park for the 48th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. Democrats faced off against Republicans in a battle no less spirited than is typically seen on the Hill. Heading into the game, Republicans held an impressive 33-14 win-loss record. However, shaky Republican pitching and errors led the underdog Democrats to a 15-10 victory.

The game featured Washington’s own Rep. Adam Smith (9th Congressional District), Jay Inslee (1st Congressional District), and Brian Baird (3rd Congressional District). Congressman Smith sported his UW baseball uniform, drawing applause from the Huskies in the stands. Democrats took an early lead with a 6 run 2nd inning, featuring 3 lead off walks (one to Brian Baird) and more than 50 pitches from Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.). However, Republicans quickly answered with 6 runs of their own in the very next inning, off of several clutch hits. Tied at 6 in the bottom of the 3rd, the flood gates opened and Democrats scored 9 runs off of 5 walks, two base hits and error. The 15 runs put on the board by Democrats in the first three innings would be enough to secure their first victory in nearly a decade.

The game benefitted several DC area charities including the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

CBO Analysis Dims Prospects of a Pell Entitlement

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This week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis of the fiscal impact of President Obama’s FY10 Budget Request. The analysis looks at the budget request broadly, as well as focuses in on some of President Obama’s major proposals on health care and student aid.

Of particular note, CBO revised down — from $94 billion to $87 billion — an earlier estimate of the savings that would be realized from eliminating the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) in favor of the Direct Lending program. The new estimate jeopardizes the President’s proposal to use savings from FFELP to fund a Pell grant entitlement. There already appears to be little stomach in Congress for the creation of another entitlement program. House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) has articulated that he is reluctant to create a new entitlement program while simultaneously trying to convince the American people that the majority in Congress is fiscally responsible. Nonetheless, a permanent Pell grant remains possible and at a minimum, funding recouped from the elimination of FFELP would be put towards increased Pell grant levels for students. It should be noted that the financial sector, and many in Congress, are pushing to maintain the FFELP program and the role of banks and guarantee agencies in the administration of federal student loans.

CBO: An Analysis of the President’s Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year 2010

Rep. McMorris Rodgers Possible Ranking Member on Education and Labor

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**UPDATE** The new Ranking Member on Education and Labor is John Kline (R-MN).

Earlier this week, it was announced that Rep. Howard P. (Buck) McKeon (R-CA), the Ranking Member on the House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee, is leaving the panel to take the same position on the House Armed Services Committee. McKeon’s departure is particularly significant because the Education and Labor Committee is considering President Obama’s proposal to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) in favor of a direct lending program that would cut banks and guarantee agencies out of the student loan process and result in savings that would be utilized to make the Pell Grant an entitlement. Congressman McKeon has long been viewed as a defender of financial institutions. Next week, the House Republican Steering Committee will meet to chose a new Ranking Member for the Education and Labor Committee.

Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Judy Biggert (R-IL) and John Kline (R-MN) are seen as the finalists for the Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member spot. McMorris Rogers’ position on the steering committee that will make the decision is likely to boost her chances.

AAMC Conference Materials Available

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Last week, June 9-10, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) held a conference of government relations representatives. Several topics were discussed including: health care reform, health information technology funding, and Recovery Act opportunities and challenges. Conference materials have been made available in electronic format, and can be accessed via the links below.

ResearchMeansHope.org Campaign

AAMC Legislative Update

HHS Health IT Programs

Discussions over Recovery Act funding included suggestions that universities begin to focus on telling their ARRA success stories, as Members of Congress will likely want to know how funding is being spent in their districts and states. To date, much of the effort employed for ARRA has focused on getting applications out and understanding reporting requirements. However, as 2010 approaches, we can expect many inquiries on how well our institutions are doing in accessing and making proper use of Recovery Act funding. Some Members of Congress (i.e. Senator Carl Levin) have taken to posting Recovery Act spending details for their constituents on their websites.

A session on health care reform, featuring Caya Lewis (Director of Outreach and Public Health Policy, HHS Office of Health Reform), reiterated that President Obama and the leadership in Congress are intently focused on passing a comprehensive bill by the end of this calendar year. Ms. Lewis explained that President Obama seeks a final bill that lowers cost while reducing costs, and increasing choice, quality, and prevention/wellness. The proposed public coverage option continues to be the main sticking point in bringing about a bipartisan bill. A health reform bill is expected on the Senate floor before the August recess, with House consideration and final passage in the fall.

COGR Releases Summer Update

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The Council on Government Relations (COGR) has released its summer 2009 update, which details new and proposed federal agency guidelines of interest to the higher education community. Topics discussed include:

  • NIH Stem Cell Guidelines
  • Scientific Integrity
  • IRB Accountability
  • NIH Financial Conflicts of Interest
  • Update on Recovery Act Activities and Issues
     F&A Rate Proposals and Negotiations – Strategies and Expectations
     Audit Implications
     Job Creation and Retention
     Section 1512 Reporting Requirements
     Summary of COGR Comment and Request Letters Addressing ARRA
     Department of Energy Cost Sharing Requirements on ARRA Funding for ARPA-E
     Direct Charging of Research Specialist/Administrative Personnel and 26% Cap
     Direct Charging of Research Specialist/Administrative Personnel – Help Requested
     ARRA and the Potential for Overreach by Federal Officials
  • Other Costing Discussions
  • F&A Limitations and Not-for-Profit Research Foundations
  • President Issues New Memorandum on Classified/Controlled Unclassified Information
  • MTAs Continue to Receive Considerable Attention
  • COGR Joins Other Associations in Statement on Visa Delays
  • Updates on Other CIP Issues
     Status of Patent Reform Legislation Remains Unclear
     NAS Committee on University IP Management and Metrics-Related Activities
     In Re Bilski Case Will be Heard by Supreme Court
     GAO Draft Report on March-In Rights to be Issued Soon
     Export Control Developments
     E-Verify Implementation Delayed Yet Again

COGR Report