VOL. 23, NO. 17	MARCH 6, 1998

ashington lawmakers have major decisions to make this month before the April recess. Congress will be considering the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act; reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act (ISTEA); the annual appropriations bills; copyright issues in the digital environment; increased funding for science, and a potential tax bill to revamp the Internal Revenue Service.

  Limited five-year resources approved in the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) last summer have handcuffed chairmen of the committees attempting to rewrite ISTEA. The proposals to double science funding over five years or ten years are heavily dependent upon the “bonus” from an as-yet undetermined tobacco settlement and Congressional willingness to increase caps in last year’s BBA. So far, no agreement for increased science funding and ISTEA has been reached.

  Members are also facing some controversial issues in higher education reauthorization, including: the interest rate that banks will pay and students will receive on guaranteed loans; the nature of funding for graduate education; formulas for campus-based programs, such as college work study; methods of accreditation; and regulatory requirements for colleges and universities in the areas of campus crime, alcoholism and drug policies, and college costs.

  The Senate and House are attempting to iron out some of the controversies surrounding budgetary issues so that a budget resolution outlining broad priorities can be completed in the next few weeks.

  Albany legislators were greeted with Gov. Pataki’s revised budget (after the 30 day amendment process), which includes less funding than the original proposal.

  Student lobby trips to Washington, D.C., and Albany are planned for this month. Students will meet with legislators and key staff to discuss student aid and its importance.

  For further information, contact Ellen S. Smith, assistant vice president and director of federal relations, ess9@columbia.edu.