Federal and State Policy Change Updates

Potential Federal Government Shutdown

On Tuesday, March 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government operating at fiscal year (FY) 2024 funding levels. The CR maintained language prohibiting administrative changes to current Facility and Administrative (F&A) rates. As of this morning, the CR is awaiting a vote by the U.S. Senate prior to the Friday, March 14, deadline. If passed by the Senate this Friday, it would then go on to President Trump for approval. If it is not passed by the Senate by March 14, the federal government will be shut down until legislation to fund it is passed. If there is a shutdown, initial impacts are anticipated to be minimal. However, you may report potential impacts to you or your work through your leadership and through our feedback mechanism at feedback@tamu.edu. We will update the Government Relations webpage as new information is available. Researchers can find more specific guidance from Sponsored Research Services (SRS) on this dedicated page regarding research guidance in the event of a federal government shutdown.

U.S. Department of Education Reduction in Force

While we have not seen any new executive orders affecting higher education since last Friday, we are aware that this week the U.S. Department of Education reduced its workforce by 50%. The department noted in its announcement that it will “continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking.” Also, the department noted that all divisions within the department were affected and some may require reorganization. As a result, we anticipate the need to be patient as agency staff work through the organizational transition. Please reach out to my office if you’re experiencing a direct impact to a program or project at provost@tamu.edu.

U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter and Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-55

We’ve reviewed the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Letter (Feb. 14, 2025), the related Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (Feb. 28, 2025) and Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-55 (Jan. 31, 2025). Overall, federal and state guidance related to these directives largely mirrors existing A&M System policy to promote effective compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as Chapter 51.3525 of the Texas Education Code (the “Anti-DEI Law”). Across all of our programs and activities, we should not be using race in decision-making and treatment of people.

We must remain vigilant in the administration of our programs and activities to ensure we meet the colorblind guarantee of state and federal law, System policy and GA-55. To help us do that, our Division of Risk, Ethics and Compliance is in the process of updating our FAQs, and we will distribute those as soon as we have them. In the meantime, continue to follow System policy and ensure our activities and efforts are open and accessible to all.

89th Texas Legislative Session Update

At the state level, committees and subcommittees continue to engage in important dialogues related to higher education. The bill filing deadline is Friday, March 14, and we expect to see additional hearings begin to be scheduled after that. We are closely tracking all relevant legislation and staying engaged with appropriate officials and staff on these topics throughout the legislative process.

I know the changing landscape is a lot to keep up with, but I want to reiterate the importance of the work you do day-in and day-out. I want to thank our Government Relations team – Julie Kopycinski and Michael Hardy – for their work to support our needs at both levels of government. Also, I want to thank our SRS team for their efforts to support our researchers’ needs and questions. Finally, I want to extend thanks to our Global Engagement team and all of our student advisors, academic support staff and faculty affairs staff who continue to help our faculty and students navigate these changes as well.

I hope you will take time during the long weekend to rest and recharge before we finish out another successful academic year. You can always find the latest information on the Federal Transition webpage and for researchers, please view agency-specific guidance for principal investigators. If you have questions, concerns or would like to request a visit from a leadership team member, please reach out to my office at provost@tamu.edu.

Thank you,

Alan
Alan Sams
Provost and Executive Vice President