Republican lawmakers are preparing to press further higher‑education reforms in 2026, building on last year’s legislative changes and signaling continued scrutiny of accountability and spending. Congressional leaders aim to extend provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and pursue additional oversight priorities. At the same time, a higher‑education leader’s call to ‘fix accreditation’ and debate a national regulatory framework has reignited discussions about consolidating under‑performing institutions, tightening outcome standards, and rethinking federal oversight. The twin pressures from Capitol Hill and sector leaders set up a policy year focused on accreditation, finance and institutional performance.