OTC Inside the Beltway: SCOTUS Weighs in on ED’s RIF, Reconciliation Becomes Law and PSLF Goes to NegReg
This week on "Off The Cuff," Hugh is joined by Karen, Megan and Sarah to catch listeners up on some of the biggest news impacting student financial aid policy. Hugh kicks things off with a quick update on the Department of Education’s (ED) reduction in force (RIF) and how a recent order from the U.S. Supreme Court could impact the department’s staffing levels, while Megan and Karen explain some concerns about processing backlogs. The team then turns to discussing how the reconciliation law will directly impact several programs housed within the Higher Education Act (HEA). Sarah walks listeners through the law and answers some questions members have had since its enactment. Karen then explains how reconciliation differs from the annual appropriations process. Finally, Megan catches listeners up on the department’s most recent negotiated rulemaking (NegReg) process and its potential impact on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Speakers
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| Karen McCarthy Vice President |
Hugh Ferguson Managing Editor |
Megan Walter Senior Policy Analyst |
Sarah Austin Policy Analyst |
Resources
Publication Date: 7/18/2025
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