Delivered via email: October 10, 2025
Government Shutdown
The federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight. The Senate has voted unsuccessfully multiple times on the same two Republican and Democrat sponsored versions of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government for a period of time in place of annual appropriations measures. Disagreements about the inclusion of Affordable Care Act subsidies in a CR continue to prevent passage. The House of Representatives has not been in Washington, D.C. to conduct legislative business since approving a CR on September 19. No votes are planned in the House until the week of October 20, unless the Senate approves a CR.
Seventy-nine Democrat House Members, including Illinois Representatives Bill Foster and Eric Sorensen, wrote a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson asking for stand-alone legislative action to pay military servicemembers. If action on a CR or other stand-alone legislation is not taken, active-duty military will miss their first paycheck on October 15. Thus far, House Republican leaders have refused to consider stand-alone legislation. During both the 2018-2019 and 2013 shutdowns, troops were paid. The White House is reportedly considering a reprogramming of Budget Reconciliation funds to pay troops if Congress does not act.
Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced that layoffs of federal workers, that had been threatened by the administration, began October 10.
IASB is closely monitoring the federal shutdown and will notify members of any significant movement in these discussions.
Mental Health Grants Reopened
On September 29, the Department of Education reopened the application process for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant. Entities interested in applying have until October 29 to apply. These grants, funded as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, are intended to address the shortage of mental health professionals and increase school-based mental health services. The Administration discontinued funding for many of these grants last May. Illinois was one of several states that sued to reinstate this funding. In September, as a part of the COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference, IASB school board members met with 13 Members of Congress and both Illinois Senators, to discuss the importance of federal funding, specifically including the importance of these grants.
AI Hearing
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee conducted a hearing on October 9, “AI's Potential to Support Patients, Workers, Children, and Families.” The Committee heard testimony about AI in education and other contexts. Though witnesses talked about the potential to use AI to free up teacher time and engage students, Senators and panelists cautioned about the need for regulation of AI to protect children’s safety and empower parents.
Group Challenges H-1B Visa Fee
On September 19, the Trump Administration took action to restrict the H-1B visa program by imposing a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted on or after September 21. On October 3, a coalition of union, health care, education, and religious entities filed a lawsuit to stop the new H-1B visa fee, stating that 10% of H-1B visas are educators and health care workers, which are high-demand professions experiencing workforce shortages.
2025 House Calendar
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. Senate Budget Committee
U.S. House Budget Committee
Congressional Budget Office
Federal Legislative Information