ADVOCACY & POLICY UPDATE - October 13, 2026

Senate Adjourns for Recess Ahead of Midterm Elections; Bonamici Throws Hat in the Committee Race

Appropriations

On Tuesday, October 6, Senator Mazie Hirono’s (HI) office began soliciting ideas for FY28 earmarks ahead of formal guidance from the Senate Appropriations Committee. Although the committee is not expected to issue its FY28 guidance for several months, Hirono’s office is encouraging organizations and local governments seeking federal funding to share potential requests early. The office noted that its guidance remains preliminary until committee-wide instructions are available but said early outreach would allow staff to provide feedback and answer questions before the formal appropriations process begins.

Both the House and Senate have officially adjourned for recess and are set to return to Washington for full legislative sessions on Monday, November 9. 

House Education and Workforce Committee Leadership

On Tuesday, October 6, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamini (OR) sent a Dear Colleague letter to members of the Democratic Caucus that declared her intent to run for chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, should her party take the House after primaries. 

Current Committee Ranking Member, and past Chair, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT) are also running for the top spot. Bonamici currently serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education and has previously introduced a resolution to impeach the Secretary of Education Linda McMahon because of her efforts to dismantle the agency without congressional approval.

Department of Homeland Security

On Wednesday, October 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed requiring colleges to pay $70,000 for each international student seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization and $30,000 for program extensions. OPT allows international students to work in jobs related to their fields of study during or after their academic programs. Most students are eligible for up to one year of post-graduation work authorization, while graduates in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may qualify for an additional two years. The proposed fees represent a sharp increase from the roughly $500 students have typically paid themselves.

DHS said the proposal is intended to deter fraud and require colleges to exercise greater oversight when recommending students for OPT. Higher education advocates warned that the proposal could further discourage international enrollment and affect colleges’ finances. International students often pay full tuition and provide a significant source of revenue for colleges and universities, helping support institutional budgets, financial aid and services for domestic students. There are also fears that the proposal could weaken the OPT program and the nation’s talent pipeline amid intensifying global competition for economic leadership. 

Click here to access the full proposal.