August in the U.S. capital is typically quiet. Congress is in recess, and most bureaucrats choose this hot steamy month for their vacation. In a normal year, serious legislation is put off until September; in a close election year such as this one, it is put off until "after the elections." This year, with the exception of agency appropriations and the 9/11 Commission Report, Congress and federal agency decision-makers are in a holding pattern. However, higher education IT issues that will be prominent when the 109th Congress convenes in January are already apparent. The following issues are briefly discussed in this document: (1) the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA); (2) the Telecommunications Act; and (3) copyright law.