APA Services recently submitted comments to the U.S. ED opposing proposed changes to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (PDF, 263KB)opens in new window. The proposal mirrors several provisions included in a separate Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposal on federal financial assistanceopens in new window that Congress recently blocked from implementation through December 11, 2026, in its fiscal year 2027 continuing resolution. APA previously raised concerns that the OMB proposal could undermine transparency, research funding, and merit-based grantmaking.
In its comments on the ED proposed rule, APA Services warned that the edgar proposal could create uncertainty for schools, institutions of higher education, researchers, workforce development programs, and community partners that rely on federal education grants. The letter highlighted concerns about expanded authority to terminate grants, reduced protections for continuation funding, limits on appeal processes, preferences for lower indirect cost rates, and changes that could undermine educational research and workforce development efforts. APA Services emphasized the importance of stable and predictable federal investments in education, behavioral health workforce development, school-based mental health services, and education research.
APA Services also argued that the proposal should be considered alongside recent actions that have disrupted the department’s ability to administer and oversee federal education programs, including reductions in force, organizational restructuring, delayed release of congressionally appropriated funds, and grant terminations. Advocates cautioned that the proposed rule could further reduce predictability, transparency, and accountability in federal grant administration, creating additional challenges for students, educators, researchers, trainees, and communities that rely on federal investments.