ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - August 3, 2026

Senate Reaches Deal on CR; OMB Rule Suspended For Now

Appropriations

On Sunday, August 2, Senate Appropriations Committee members reached a bipartisan agreement on a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would extend federal government funding through December 11 and prevent a government shutdown. The Senate is expected to hold an initial procedural vote on the measure today, with leaders aiming to pass the legislation before beginning August recess. 

The legislation includes a provision that would prohibit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing its proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (ME) said she was pleased the agreement would prevent the proposed rule from taking effect, while Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (WA) highlighted it was a key priority for Senate Democrats. The proposed rule had drawn bipartisan concern over provisions that would allow changes to the federal grant approval process and created additional uncertainty for grant recipients.

On Friday, June 31, in a coordinated effort supported by a broad coalition of state and local government organizations, USCM had urged Congress to include the language blocking implementation of the proposed rule. 

This included a letter sent in partnership with fellow Big 7 state and local government organizations to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (ME) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (WA) urging Congress to include a provision in the CR to stop implementation of the proposed rule.

Last month, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) had submitted formal comments to OMB urging the Administration to withdraw the proposed rule, citing concerns that it would create uncertainty for local governments administering federally funded programs. 

The CR also includes funding adjustments for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Disaster Relief Fund, and shipbuilding activities.

House GOP leaders already released the text of their partisan CR on July 17, which funds the government through December 4. The House has been in recess since late July and the Senate is expected to begin its August recess following action on the CR. Both chambers are scheduled to return on Monday, September 14, although lawmakers could be called back earlier if legislative action is needed.

Click here to access the Big 7 letter.

Click here to read the bipartisan Senate continuing resolution 

Click here to read the House continuing resolution

Senate HELP Committee  

On Thursday, July 30, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) voted to advance the nomination of Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and marked up a package of education legislation. The committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance Sonderling’s nomination, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Republicans have argued that Sonderling’s experience at DOL and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission prepared him for the role, while Democrats raised concerns about his record on worker protections and labor policies. The committee also advanced the nominations of Sean Kaufman to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additionally, the Committee approved bipartisan legislation, S. 5046, originally introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (VA) alongside Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski, to block the Department of Education from transferring key functions to other agencies through interagency agreements. The bills would prohibit transfers involving the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Office of Postsecondary Education; the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; and the Office of Indian Education.

Click here to access information on the markup.

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act

On Tuesday, July 28, Senator Patty Murray (WA), along with Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA) and Erin Hochin (IN) reintroduced the bipartisan Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act. The legislation aims to improve access to higher education and support services for homeless and foster youth students by requiring colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates, prioritize eligible students for Federal Work-Study, and ensure access to housing, food, and health care resources. The bill also directs the U.S. Department of Education to issue updated guidance on serving students who are homeless, unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, self-supporting or in foster care. 

Click here to access the press release and more information on the bill.