ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - April 28, 2025

Congress Returns to Tackle Appropriations; Trump Issues Workforce EO

Washington Update

Appropriations

On Monday, April 28, Congress returns from a two-week recess with a packed agenda, as House Republicans aim to pass President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cuts package before their Memorial Day break — leaving just four weeks for completion.

On Monday, April 28, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (MI) unveiled the full text of his committee’s reconciliation bill, the ”Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan,” which focuses on three main initiatives: strengthening accountability for students and taxpayers, streamlining student loan options, and simplifying student loan repayment, while also including reforms to reduce costs for students and ensure the fiscal sustainability of programs like the Pell Grant. 

On Tuesday, April 29, the committee will meet to discuss its portion of the legislative package, which includes efforts to reduce spending by $330 billion. A key focus will be the potential repeal of income-driven repayment plans, which could save an estimated $127.3 billion over 10 years. Chairman Walberg is also looking to include provisions from the College Cost Reduction Act to influence higher education financing. It expands Pell Grant eligibility to include students enrolled in shorter, job-focused training programs (150–600 hours) that are less than an academic year in length.

Meanwhile, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will be tasked with identifying how to cut $880 billion from federal programs under its jurisdiction, with Medicaid cuts being a particularly contentious issue. Republicans are divided over whether to reduce spending on Medicaid, with some members warning that cuts could be politically damaging in their districts. 

While Republicans plan to pass the package through reconciliation, bypassing the Senate filibuster, the slim majorities in both chambers mean internal party unity will be crucial. Democrats are strongly opposing the proposed cuts, particularly to Medicaid, with some staging protests and calling the budget harmful to vulnerable populations.

Click here to access the full text of the bill.

Click here to access the House Education and Workforce Committee hearing.

Click here to read the committee press release.

Executive Order on Workforce Development

On Thursday, April 23, President Donald Trump signed the Executive Order (EO) “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future,” outlining the administration’s strategy to modernize and strengthen the federal workforce development system. The order aims to better align federal training programs with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in emerging industries, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. It emphasizes the importance of equipping workers with practical skills and the ability to engage with new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in support of a broader push to reindustrialize the American economy.

To carry out this vision, the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education are directed to conduct a comprehensive review of all federal workforce development programs within 90 days. This review will result in a report that recommends ways to streamline and integrate efforts, improve alignment with employer needs, and identify programs that are underperforming or no longer effective. The report will also explore options for upskilling current workers, expanding the use of alternative credentials, and enhancing the overall participant experience while improving the quality and consistency of performance data.

A central feature of the EO is the expansion of Registered Apprenticeships, with the goal of surpassing one million new active apprentices. The order calls for strategies to extend apprenticeships into high-growth sectors, improve program efficiency, and strengthen partnerships with the education system, including through the use of funding mechanisms such as the Perkins Act and federal student aid.

In addition to these actions, the order underscores the need for increased transparency and accountability in workforce development efforts, including clearer reporting on employment and earnings outcomes. The Executive Order will be implemented in accordance with existing laws and available appropriations and does not create new legal rights or entitlements.

Click here to access the EO.

Click here to access a fact sheet on the EO.

Additional EOs on Education and Workforce

On Thursday, April 23, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders (EOs) that address various aspects of K-12 and higher education, including the role of artificial intelligence, school discipline policies, HBCUs, and reporting of foreign gifts to institutions. These directives align with the Administration’s priorities in education and workforce development, with a focus on returning education policymaking to the states.

The EO “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth” outlines U.S. policy to promote AI literacy by integrating AI into education, providing comprehensive AI training for educators, and fostering early exposure to AI concepts to develop an AI-ready workforce. The order also establishes the Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force within the White House, composed of cabinet secretaries and agency heads, tasked with creating plans for a Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge and advancing public-private partnerships for AI innovation.

The EO “Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education” directs the Secretary of Education to reform the accreditation system, focusing on improving student outcomes and intellectual diversity. It mandates race-neutral student data, degree completion, and prevents credential inflation. The order increases accountability by allowing new accreditors, streamlining processes, and establishing flexible quality assurance pathways. It also gives the Secretary the power to deny or suspend accreditors engaged in unlawful discrimination.

The “Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities” EO directs the Secretary of Education to enforce disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts over $250,000, ensuring greater transparency and public access. It aims to end secrecy surrounding foreign funding, protect academic freedom, and safeguard U.S. research from foreign influence.

The EO “White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” establishes the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), aiming to increase their capacity by boosting private-sector involvement and enhancing their ability to serve young adults. It also creates the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs within the Department of Education to help achieve these goals. The order revokes President Biden's EO 14041 and directs the EPA administrator to terminate the HBCU and MSI Advisory Council within 14 days. 

The “Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies” EO critiques the 2023 guidance on racial discrimination in school discipline, directing the Secretary of Education to issue new guidance within 30 days, excluding the disparate-impact doctrine. It also mandates coordination among officials, a revised discipline code from the Secretary of Defense, and a report to the President on discriminatory-equity-based discipline.

The EO “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy” directs federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of disparate-impact liability, which links outcome differences among groups to unlawful discrimination. It also requires the Attorney General to review pending investigations and suits within 45 days and act accordingly.

Click here to access all the EOs. 

Department of Labor 

On Thursday, April 24, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer sent letters to governors emphasizing that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, citing presidential directives aimed at limiting access to government-funded programs. She pledged to enforce the law and protect taxpayer dollars. The letters come as some states consider expanding support for non-citizens. 

Separately, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, who served under President Bill Clinton and was the first Black labor secretary, passed away at age 77. Herman also served as the youngest director of the Women's Bureau, appointed at age 29. Bill and Hillary Clinton praised her optimism and contributions to public service.

Click here to access the letters.

Department of Labor Women’s Bureau 

The Women's Bureau, marking its 105th anniversary this year, faces challenges as it operates without a Senate-confirmed director and with a reduced profile under the Trump administration. The Bureau, which supports women in the workforce, has experienced reduced activity compared to its more active role during the previous administration, according to current and former Department of Labor employees. At present, Rebecca Wright, Deputy Chief of Staff to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has been named acting director. Concerns include potential threats to grant programs like the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations initiative and the halted maintenance of the National Database of Childcare Prices. Republicans have previously proposed eliminating the Bureau’s $23 million budget. Some observers are worried that a reduced role for the office could impact efforts to address workplace equity and child care affordability.

Senate HELP Committee

On Wednesday, April 23, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (LA) released proposals intended to expand portable workplace benefits, like retirement and healthcare, for independent contractors. His plan would allow businesses to offer health and retirement benefits without risking worker misclassification lawsuits and seeks to establish a single federal classification standard. Cassidy emphasized updating labor laws to support independent workers while preserving traditional employment models. Portable benefits are seen as a potential bipartisan compromise to provide protections for gig workers amid broader debates over collective bargaining rights. However, labor groups criticize such programs, arguing they offer fewer protections than full employee benefits and facilitate worker misclassification. Some states, including Pennsylvania under Governor Josh Shapiro, have piloted portable benefits programs. Cassidy put out an initial call for industry input last year and is continuing to solicit industry feedback. In February, Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA) introduced two bills in the House — the Modern Worker Empowerment Act and the Modern Worker Security Act — related to supporting independent contractors.

Click here to read the full press release and access the white paper

Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act

On Thursday, April 17, U.S. Senators Todd Young (IN) and Jack Reed (RI) reintroduced the bipartisan Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act (the Adult Education WORKS Act) to reauthorize adult education programs and expand upon the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The legislation addresses challenges in adult education, including declining literacy and numeracy skills, which leave many adults unprepared for today’s workforce. It aims to expand access to adult education services, focusing on digital literacy, English language skills, and work readiness, while increasing funding to $1.35 billion by 2030. Key provisions include enhancing adult education providers' roles in workforce planning, promoting college and career navigation, investing in professional development, and implementing pilot projects to measure outcomes. 

The legislation has bipartisan support and companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Lucy McBath (GA) and Frank Mrvan (IN).

Click here to read the press release on the bill.

H-2A Visa Program

On April 17, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to collaborate with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to reform the H-2A visa program for migrant farmworkers, following President Trump’s suggestion to delay immigration enforcement on farms until a legislative deal is reached. The H-2A program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs, has become critical for many farmers but remains limited, serving only about 20% of the farm workforce due to seasonal restrictions and high costs. Proposed reforms aim to modernize the program by improving housing standards, wage requirements, and compliance with labor laws to better meet the needs of both employers and workers. The collaboration reflects a broader effort to stabilize the agricultural workforce and protect the U.S. food supply chain.

Head Start

On Thursday, April 24, nearly every Senate Democrat sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. citing concerns over delayed payments, grant renewals, and staffing cuts to the federal Head Start program. The letter asks the Trump administration to confirm it will distribute the $12.3 billion appropriated for Head Start. The letter to the Secretary follows reports that the administration’s preliminary FY26 budget proposes eliminating the early education program. Lawmakers, including Senators Patty Murray (WA), Bernie Sanders (VT), and Tammy Baldwin (WI), argue the administration’s actions could undermine Head Start’s mission to serve low-income children and families. They assert that the administration has a legal and moral obligation to fully disburse the funds appropriated by Congress.

Click here to read the full letter.