Horizon cutting-room links: Wednesday, 19 November 2025

"Trump Administration Takes Major Step Toward Dismantling the Education Department," Associated Press

The Trump administration is advancing its agenda to dismantle the US Education Department by transferring significant grant programs to other federal agencies. This move has raised concerns about potential disruptions to vital educational support for vulnerable student populations as the administration seeks to reduce federal oversight in education.

• The Education Department is transferring billions in grant programs to other agencies, with the Department of Labor taking over funding for K-12 schools, including Title I funds aimed at low-income communities.
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon argues this restructuring will reduce bureaucracy and empower states in managing education funding, despite concerns from educators about the loss of specialized support.
• While student loans and civil rights enforcement remain under the Education Department's purview, the ongoing changes could lead to further job cuts and a diminished capacity to serve students effectively.

"What Experts Will Watch as the Pentagon Implements Acquisition Reform," Air & Space Forces Magazine

As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduces a sweeping acquisition reform agenda aimed at transforming the Pentagon's weapon development processes, experts are cautiously optimistic. They note that the proposed changes could be significant, but they raise questions about leadership support, congressional trust, and the feasibility of the reform's scope.

• The Pentagon's acquisition reform plan is described as the most comprehensive change in fifty years, aiming to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and prioritize speed in military acquisitions.
• The strategy includes dissolving the Joint Capabilities and Integration Development System in favor of a Requirements and Resourcing Alignment Board, focusing efforts on critical military needs and promoting a flexible program management approach.
• Proposed reforms align with recent bipartisan congressional initiatives, yet potential tensions exist over the establishment of Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), which may challenge Congress's oversight and authority during implementation.

“Airlines Shut Down Secret Program That Sold Millions of Passenger Flight Records to U.S. Government,” Paddle Your Own Canoe

A contentious data program allowing the US government to purchase millions of personal flight records is being terminated following significant backlash from lawmakers and privacy advocates. The program, operated by Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) provided government agencies with access to sensitive passenger information without judicial oversight.

• The Travel Intelligence Program (TIP) held at least one billion flight records, and reports suggest it could contain up to five billion, allowing government agencies to access personal travel details without a subpoena.
• The program was criticized by lawmakers, including Senator Ron Wyden, who labeled ARC a “shady data broker” for selling sensitive information, such as passenger itineraries and payment details, to government agencies.
• Acknowledging the growing opposition, ARC announced that TIP would be discontinued, stating that it no longer aligns with the organization’s core mission to serve the travel industry effectively.

"Final Schedule F Regulations to Describe Civil Service Protections as ‘Unconstitutional Overcorrections’," Government Executive

OPM is advancing controversial changes to federal employee protections under the new Schedule Policy/Career classification, which could affect tens of thousands of workers.

• OPM's proposed regulations aim to strip civil service protections from around 50,000 federal employees, categorizing them as at-will employees in "policy-related" positions, which may undermine job security.
• The regulations describe existing civil service protections as "unconstitutional overcorrections," arguing that they hinder presidential accountability and the ability to implement policy effectively.
• Public comments on the proposal revealed widespread opposition, with 94 percent of the 40,500 submissions expressing concerns about potential politicization and loss of protections for career employees, although OPM asserts these employees will remain insulated from political pressures.

"National Science Foundation to Relocate Within Alexandria After Its Ouster From Headquarters," Washington Business Journal

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is set to relocate to 401 Dulany St. in Alexandria after being ousted from its previous headquarters. With a lease for approximately 382,000 square feet, the NSF will continue to operate in Alexandria, following the Department of Housing and Urban Development's takeover of NSF's previous location.

• The NSF will take over the 401 Dulany St. building, which was previously vacated by the US Patent and Trademark Office, demonstrating a strategic consolidation of federal real estate.
• The relocation allows the NSF to retain its workforce of about 1,600 employees in Alexandria, which is critical for the local economy and related industries such as hospitality and services.
• Alexandria officials expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of federal agencies in attracting business and stimulating local economic growth.