Congress/legislation

WASHINGTON -- Given the state of the U.S. economy and the promises of Republican lawmakers to cut the deficit, much if not most of the Congressional activity surrounding higher education in the 112th Congress is likely to unfold in the House and Senate committees that set federal spending and overall budget and tax policies. But to the extent that the education committee in the House of Representatives weighs in on issues affecting colleges and universities, a face unfamiliar to many in higher education will have a large say.

Amid publicity blitz and vows of legislative intervention, the sector's primary trade group sues Education Department to block new rules. Suit faces uphill climb.

In State of the Union, President Obama vows to protect many programs important to colleges from 5-year freeze on federal spending.

Leading Democrat blasts for-profit colleges; U.S. affirms $5,500 maximum Pell Grant; no earmarks in 2011 and 2012.

House Republicans would slash deeply into programs for colleges and students, while President Obama would cut surgically from higher ed.

House budget legislation, which would cut Pell Grants and restrict regulation of for-profit colleges, shows how federal political environment has shifted.

School and college officials plead with U.S. lawmakers to streamline regulations that are redundant and burdensome, and to ensure that the rules contribute to institutional and student improvement.

Discussion of forthcoming federal definition of "credit hour" and expanding state authorization requirements shows lawmakers on both sides of aisle share worry about too much regulation.

WASHINGTON — A surprisingly bipartisan House of Representatives approved an amendment to the continuing budget resolution last month that would block the Education Department from carrying out its proposed regulation requiring that for-profit colleges and other vocational programs ensure that their students are prepared for “gainful employment.” Since thi

As Congressional Republicans lay out plan to slash trillions from the budget deficit in 2012 and beyond, need-based aid and research spending could face cuts.