DC Insight - 11/14/24 | University of è��app System

DC Insight

Good afternoon,

The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University of è��app System regarding the federal government and higher education. We have put together a list of news articles that will keep you informed of the actions taken by the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government. These articles are meant to be informative and are not a reflection of the views or stance of the system regarding these issues.

If you would like more information regarding any of the stories we share, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Dusty Schnieders schniedersd@umsystem.edu and/or Emily Lucas el59bz@umsystem.edu.

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Senate

Senator Thune of South Dakota has won the Senate leadership vote, emerging as the new leader for Senate Republicans in a historic shift—the first change in nearly two decades. The secret-ballot vote capped off a closely watched race, where Thune faced competition from Senators Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida. The 118th Congress convenes with a Senate makeup of 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, 2 Independents who often caucus with Democrats. The Pennsylvania Senate race is headed to a recount.

Senate GOP conference leadership:

Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)
Assistant Majority Leader John Barrasso (R-WY)
Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Republican Policy Committee Chair Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV)
Republican Conference Vice Chair James Lankford (R-OK)
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-SC)

On the legislative front, Congress is working under a December 20 deadline as a continuing resolution (CR) is set to expire. Negotiations and informal conferencing continue for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), after the Senate opted not to hold a full vote. The final bill is expected to be voted on in November.

House

In the House, Republicans have officially retained their majority, now holding 218 seats, while Democrats have 209. Several seats remain undecided as California races continue to count mail-in ballots.

This week, House Speaker Mike Johnson was unanimously nominated to continue in the role, with a full floor vote set for January. Congressman Mark Alford of è��app ran for the position of Republican Conference Secretary, receiving notable endorsements from Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole and Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers. Despite these endorsements, Alford did not secure the position; however, the support he garnered highlighted his reputation as a respected leader and valued colleague.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has requested that Trump hold off on further House appointments until special elections can maintain the GOP’s narrow majority. Currently, three congressional seats remain open due to Trump’s appointments, including two in Florida—those of Congressmen Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz—as well as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s seat in New York.

House GOP conference leadership:

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN)
Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee Richard Hudson (R-NC)
Lisa McClain, House GOP Conference Chair (R-MI), filling the post for Elise Stefanik when she departs the House to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
House GOP Vice Chairman Blake Moore (R-UT)
Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee Kevin Hern (R-OK)
House Republican Conference Secretary Erin Houchin (R-IN)

President Trump

In the White House, Susie Wiles is expected to serve as Chief of Staff, with Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff. Tom Homan, the former ICE Director, is slated for the role of Border Czar. National Security Advisor would be Congressman Mike Waltz, who has voiced opposition to Biden’s withdrawal in Afghanistan and favors stricter terms for U.S. support to Ukraine. The lineup underscores Trump’s vision of a robust and assertive foreign policy framework, focused on reinforcing alliances and enhancing U.S. standing on the global stage.

Cabinet Picks:

Vice President: JD Vance
Secretary of State: Senator Marco Rubio (FL)
Attorney General: Matt Gaetz
Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth
Secretary of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem
Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard
National Security Advisor: Mike Waltz
CIA Director: John Ratcliffe
EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik
Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee
Government Efficiency Advisors: Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy
Middle East Envoy: Steve Witkoff
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Opinion: What's Next?

Department of Education

Trump has reportedly promised to abolish the Department of Education, a move that reflects a shift toward state and local control of education policies. Trump and his advisors argue that federal oversight has contributed to declining educational standards and that empowering states would allow for more tailored, effective solutions for students and communities. If successful, this would represent a fundamental reorganization of American education, potentially transferring more control—and funding—directly to state and local governments while significantly reducing the federal footprint in education. Trump's proposal has already sparked considerable debate, as supporters argue it could improve outcomes and reduce federal influence, while opponents worry it could lead to inconsistencies in educational quality across states.

Fueling the current momentum are issues such as the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness efforts, challenges with the federal financial aid system, and a revised Title IX policy adding protections for transgender students.

A key question is how the Department of Education would be dismantled. Some propose transferring the federal student loan program to the Treasury Department, which has expertise in financial management. Proponents argue this change would largely preserve existing educational programs under different oversight. Critics, however, caution that breaking up the department could disrupt essential services, particularly in financial aid distribution, potentially posing risks for students and institutions reliant on federal support.

President Trump’s plan to reclaim our once great educational institutions, .

Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E)

Trump's prospective administration has laid out an ambitious plan to streamline federal agencies and reduce bureaucratic redundancy. Central to this vision is the establishment of a new Department of Government Efficiency, which would be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. This department aims to eliminate wasteful government spending, cut down on unnecessary regulatory barriers, and increase operational transparency. Musk and Ramaswamy, both known for their focus on innovation and efficiency, would prioritize measures to improve productivity across federal agencies. This move signals a bold attempt to bring private-sector efficiency to government operations, aligning with Trump's call for a "leaner, smarter" federal government.

Department of Defense

Trump’s potential choice of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense suggests significant shifts for the Department of Defense (DoD). A former Army officer and Fox News commentator known for his conservative views, Hegseth would likely emphasize "America First" principles, prioritizing defense readiness and reducing Pentagon bureaucracy to streamline operations.

Under Hegseth, the DoD could adopt a more assertive foreign policy stance, particularly toward the Middle East and China, aligning with Trump’s vision of a stronger, more independent U.S. military. His past critiques of current policies indicate he may seek to reform personnel practices, favoring traditional values and rolling back some recent diversity and inclusion initiatives. Hegseth is also expected to focus on combat effectiveness and enhanced defense capabilities, potentially increasing investment in advanced technology and weaponry while reducing administrative spending.

If confirmed, Hegseth would likely steer the DoD toward a leaner, more aggressive approach, centered on combat readiness, bolstering U.S. defenses abroad, and aligning military culture with conservative values.

President Trump’s plan to rebuild American’s military, .

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