ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - May 18, 2026

ED Issues Final Workforce Pell Rule; Senate HELP Committee Chair Cassidy Loses Primary

Washington Update​

Appropriations

On Friday, May 15, the House passed its first FY27 appropriations bill, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies measure, by a bipartisan vote of 400-15. The bill provides funding for veterans’ benefits, more than $2 billion for infrastructure improvements at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities and cemeteries, and approximately $900 million for medical and prosthetics research, among other programs.

The measure is considered one of the less controversial appropriations bills expected this budget cycle. House leadership anticipates greater challenges as lawmakers consider funding bills for other agencies, including the Labor-HHS-Education, Homeland Security, and Defense measures. In recent weeks, the House Appropriations Committee has also advanced funding legislation for financial services agencies, the Department of State, the Food and Drug Administration, and agriculture programs. Several of those measures drew significant opposition from Democrats over proposed reductions to humanitarian assistance, global health, climate-related programs, and other areas. 

Congress must complete work on 12 appropriations bills before the September 30 funding deadline. 

Senate HELP Committee Chair

On Saturday, May 16, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost his Republican primary and the chance to seek a third term. President Trump’s chosen candidate, LA Representative Julia Letlow, finished well ahead, drawing about 45 percent of the vote. John Fleming, the state treasurer and a former Trump administration official, finished just ahead of Mr. Cassidy to finish second with roughly 28 percent of the vote. Mr. Cassidy finished third with around 25 percent of the vote. Both Ms. Letlow and Mr. Fleming will advance to a runoff on June 27. This opens the door for a new Senate HELP Committee Chair after the midterm elections in November if Republicans hold the Senate, or a new ranking member if they don’t.

Department of Education Workforce Pell Final Rule

On Monday, May 18, the U.S. Department of Education announced a final rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program which, beginning July 1, 2026, will allow students to use Pell Grants for approved short-term training programs designed to prepare individuals for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand jobs. The program is intended to expand access to workforce-focused education and training opportunities while supporting employer demand for skilled workers.

The new Workforce Pell program extends eligibility to certain short-term workforce training programs, including those that may be completed in as little as eight weeks. Eligible programs must meet requirements related to program length, completion rates, employment outcomes, and demonstrated value for students. Institutions will also be required to align tuition and fees with graduate earnings outcomes over time.

Under the final rule, governors, in consultation with state workforce boards, will identify high-demand industries and occupations to determine which programs qualify for Workforce Pell funding. States will also have the option to establish bilateral agreements that allow eligible institutions to offer approved workforce programs across state lines through distance education.

Click here to access the final rule and Department of Education press release.

EDA AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program

On Monday, May 11, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a new AI Accelerator Pilot Program that will provide approximately $25 million to support artificial intelligence (AI) workforce training initiatives. The program aims to help workers develop AI-related skills, and support industries that are important to regional economies. The initiative aligns with the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to expand the use of AI technologies across industries and strengthen the nation’s workforce capacity in emerging technologies.

Accord to the EDA, the initiative is designed to support scalable and sustainable workforce development models that can adapt as AI technologies advance and is seeking applications from eligible entities proposing industry-led partnerships and sector-based training programs. EDA anticipates making 5 to 8 awards ranging from $1 million to $8 million for projects focused on delivering AI skills training, participant support services, and measurable workforce outcomes.

Click here to access the full NOFO on the AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program and for more information on how to apply.

K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act

On Tuesday, May 12, Congressman Randy Fine (FL) introduced the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide states and school districts with greater flexibility to use federal education funds on artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. The bill would allow funding to support AI-related classroom instruction and educator professional development focused on AI technologies. The legislation is intended to help schools adapt to rapidly evolving AI technologies.

The proposal follows a series of hearings held by the House Education and Workforce Committee examining how AI could impact teaching, learning, and jobs but Congress has not yet enacted major legislation governing the use of technology in schools. 

Click here to access the press release on the bill.

House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing

On Thursday, May 14, the House Education and Workforce Committee held the hearing “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” During the hearing, committee members heard testimony from the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon on President Trump’s FY27 budget request for her agency. The budget request proposes $76.5 billion in discretionary funding, with targeted budget cuts, major restructuring of federal student aid, and block grants for states. 

The proposal represents a 3% decrease from FY26 and calls for consolidating 17 separate K-12 education programs into a $2 billion “Make Education Great Again” (MEGA) block grant to states. The budget requests level-funding for Title I and a $539 million increase for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while federal funding for student access and support programs like TRIO and Gear Up are targeted for complete elimination. 

Click here to access a recording of the hearing.