OTC Inside The Beltway: Reconciliation Hits the Senate, McMahon Visits Congress, and the White House Budget Drops
This week on "Off the Cuff," Melanie and Karen discuss the latest developments concerning the reconciliation process, which now moves over to the Senate. While the Senate continues to work through the text, Karen provides some background on the chamber’s dynamics, and Melanie provides context as to the timeline under which the chamber is operating and the impact a final bill could have on student financial aid. The team also digs into the administration’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year and recaps Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s visit to Capitol Hill, where she defended the administration’s request to decrease the maximum Pell Grant award for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Finally, Melanie and Karen explain some new guidance from ED concerning updated verification requirements.
Speakers
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| Melanie Storey President and CEO |
Karen McCarthy Vice President |
Hugh Ferguson Managing Editor |
Resources
- Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Episode Transcript (coming soon)
- McMahon Answers More Lawmaker Questions on Reconciliation Bill, President’s Budget Request, and ED’s ‘Final Mission’
- McMahon Fields Questions from Senators on Cuts to Maximum Pell Grant, TRIO, and More Student Aid Programs in President Trump’s Budget Request
- Call to Action Reminder: Tell Congress to Protect Higher Education & Student Aid in Budget Reconciliation
- 2025 Budget Reconciliation Web Center
- Trump’s FY 2026 Budget Request Calls for Decreasing Maximum Pell Grant and More Reductions for Student Aid Programs
Send your thoughts, questions, and comments. We'd love to hear what you think.
Publication Date: 6/6/2025
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