This week on "Off The Cuff," the team dives into Congress's work on health care, and how delays in that area can prevent other legislation – such as the federal budget – from moving forward. The team also gives an update on a bill moving through Congress that would expand benefits for student veterans, and Megan outlines what to expect from NASFAA's annual Student Aid Profile report. Plus, team digs into higher education funding issues in West Virginia. Be sure to also listen in for a rousing debate on workplace dress codes. As we head into August, "Off The Cuff" will be taking a brief hiatus to re-tool and brainstorm new ideas for the future. We'll be back in September!

This week on "Off The Cuff," Justin shares some details from his recent meeting with newly-appointed FSA COO, Dr. A. Wayne Johnson. The two discussed a range of topics that are mutually important to financial aid professionals and FSA. Plus, Justin, Stephen, and Allie dig into the latest developments on the federal budget front, as two House committees debated and advanced two separate pieces of legislation related to the 2018 budget. One of those proposals – a budget resolution moving from the House Budget Committee – could open the door to a reconciliation process that could put some student aid programs at risk, Justin and Stephen explained. On a lighter note, Allie outlines the details from a new bill to strengthen Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for student veterans. Plus, Allie and Justin talk about their recent close encounters with wildlife at the zoo.

This week on "Off The Cuff," the policy team digs into the details from the Department of Education's first of two public hearings on the reopening of negotiations on two Obama-era regulations: borrower defense to repayment and gainful employment. Megan outlines NASFAA's comments on the intent to rewrite the two rules, and Justin chimes in on what issues could come up in the process moving forward. With Congress back in session, Stephen gives an update on forthcoming budget hearings and how much lawmakers might consider cutting from education in the federal budget. Justin, Megan, and Stephen also discuss the most recent data from the FSA Data Center, which included information on student loan defaults, FAFSA applications, and more. Plus, Justin shares some interesting tidbits from the inside operations of ED, and Megan talks about how a human chain saved a family from a rip tide.