OTC Inside the Beltway: Continuing Resolution Reopens ED, 60th Anniversary for the HEA, and NegReg Reaches Consensus
This week on "Off The Cuff," Melanie and Karen explain how the end of the government shutdown will impact the Department of Education (ED) and outline what comes next in the federal spending process. The team then highlights the Higher Education Act’s (HEA) recent 60th anniversary and discusses how Congress can work to reauthorize the law. Hugh joins in to provide a brief update on a recent Senate hearing that sought to address affordability concerns and provide clarity on college pricing. The team is then joined by Ben Montecillo, MPA, FAAC®, executive director of scholarships & financial aid at the University of Houston, to discuss some key takeaways from the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee negotiated rulemaking session, where ED was able to reach consensus on provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Speakers
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| Melanie Storey President and CEO |
Karen McCarthy Vice President |
Hugh Ferguson Managing Editor |
Ben Montecillo MPA, FAAC® Executive Director Scholarships and Financial Aid University of Houston |
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Resources
- Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Episode Transcript (PDF)
- House Clears Short-Term Funding Bill to End Government Shutdown
- Consensus Reached: RISE Committee Supports Entire Package of OBBBA Provisions
- Proposed Draft Regulations RISE Committee Documents
- What’s the HEA Without Reauthorization?
- NASFAA President & CEO Melanie Storey Calls for a Comprehensive Reauthorization of HEA
- Senate Hearing on Higher Ed Financial Transparency Touts Bipartisan Solutions
- Upcoming Event – Business Affiliate Webinar on December 2: Goodbye Grad Plus, Hello Juno: Helping More Borrowers with Lower Rates
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Publication Date: 11/14/2025