Barbara (and RESADMers), I think every avenue you have outlined is worth
pursuing.  Here's my read--this is the latest iteration of Congressional pork
awards to selected institutions of higher ed.  But it's the first one, I think,
where the funds were taken from an existing program.  My guess is that ED hates
it, but of course they have to go along.  If that's so (and you might check
with a program officer, if you know one well enough to ask.  Or even if you
don't, might make a good excuse for a phone call when you get your official
letter.), then complaining to legislators shouldn't hurt you with FIPSE/ED.

I think the only way to change this policy is with general outrage from all
sectors of higher ed.  That means the associations--all of them--, systems,
individual institutions, and individuals.  AASCU is aware of the issue and our
outrage, don't know what they will do, don't know about the other organizations
either.  My plan is to wait for the general complaint, then join in as an
individual.  (We have lobbying restrictions as well, but they don't preclude
individual complaints, first amendment guarantees it.)

Perhaps this will stimulate a debate over the general issue of designated,
non-competitive awards.  That would be a good thing, I think.  But of course my
institution has never received any of those awards, easy for me to say.

Regards, Bill Campbell
Director, Grants & Research
University of Wisconsin-River Falls

 ============================================================================