As Congress attempts to finish the budget reconciliation bill, a number of provisions in the social spending measure are in danger of being cut. Terry Hartle and Jon Fansmith look at what we know so far, as well as the future of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the president's order mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for federal contractors. Sarah Spreitzer kicks the episode off with a chat about lifting the COVID-19 travel ban, which should ease travel to the U.S. for international students and scholars.

EPISODE NOTES

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

ACE, Higher Ed Groups Urge Flexibility for International Students as COVID-19 Travel Ban is Lifted Welcome.us What Colleges and Universities Need to Know About the Biden Vaccine Mandate for Federal Contractors (Issue Brief)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Not Living Up to Its Name CBS News “60 Minutes”

ABOUT THE SHOW

Each episode of dotEDU presents a deep dive into a major public policy issue impacting college campuses and students across the country. Hosts from ACE are joined by guest experts to lead you through thought-provoking conversations on topics such as campus free speech, diversity in admissions, college costs and affordability, and more. Find all episodes of the podcast at the dotEDU page.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email [email protected].

HOSTS

Jon Fansmith is a director of government relations at ACE. He represents ACE and its members on matters related to the federal budget and appropriations process, with a particular focus on student aid.

Mushtaq Gunja serves as vice president and chief of staff at ACE, where he is in charge of strategic initiatives, communications, and membership.

Sarah Spreitzer is a director of government relations at ACE. She represents ACE and its members on matters related to research policy and funding, federal policy, international students, immigration, and legislative issues.