The Section 127 Coalition, an alliance of more than 60 organizations, including AAU, submitted a letter in support for the Employer Participation in Repayment Act. The coalition believes that "enabling employers to invest in their employees by utilizing this voluntary benefit is essential to encourage workers to continue reskilling and upskilling themselves, especially at a time when the demands and skills in the modern workplace are rapidly evolving."
AAU and APLU submitted joint comments regarding the NIH's proposed new policy within the Intramural Research Program (IRP) to promote access to products stemming from taxpayer-funded inventions. AAU shares concerns stating "the precedent the proposed terms will set for external R&D."
AAU, and four other higher education organizations, joined a letter led by ACE to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce supporting H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act. The letter states “This bill would move up the statutory date for the annual release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1 each year. Making such a change would have significant benefits for students applying or returning to college each year and is a priority of the higher education community.”
AAU, ACE, and 18 other higher education associations submitted a letter to the Department of State requesting that they act promptly to address delays with processing F-1 and J-1 visa applications at U.S. consulates in India, as well as other countries where a surge in applications is expected.
AAU, ACE, and four other higher education associations submitted a joint letter to the Ways & Means Committee leadership voicing opposition for HR 3913 & HR 3914, the Protecting American Students Act and the University Accountability Act.
AAU and 4 other higher education organizations joined comments led by EDUCAUSE on the regulations proposed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to implement the reporting requirements of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA).
The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI), of which AAU is a member, coordinated a letter from Chief Technology Officer and Senior Research Executives from industries to House and Senate leadership urging increased R&D Funding at the National Science Foundation. The letter urges lawmakers to fund NSF research at levels authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act. The letter states “Together we can accelerate scientific discovery, drive technological breakthroughs, and secure a prosperous and resilient future for America”.
The Section 127 Coalition, an alliance of more than 60 organizations, including AAU, sent a letter to Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) urging him to support two bipartisan bills – the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act (H.R. 6401) and the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act (H.R. 6402) – as well as other provisions that would expand and modernize Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code. LaHood was recently appointed to lead the House Ways and Means Committee’s Tax Team on the American Workforce.
AAU, APLU, and six other higher education and industry partners submitted a joint letter to USCIS Director Jaddou, requesting clarification on revisions to the USCIS Policy Manual O-1A pathway for STEM experts as noted in President Biden's Executive Order 14110.
AAU submitted a letter to House leadership and members of the House of Representatives regarding H.R. 6951, the College Cost Reduction Act (CCRA). AAU expressed concerns that the CCRA would adversely impact postsecondary education. The letter states, “AAU opposes the CCRA, as the bill will fail to achieve the intended goal of making college more accessible and affordable for all students. We therefore urge the full House not to move forward with this bill in its current form”.