Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the òȾòƵ of Missouri System regarding the federal government and higher education. We have put together a list of news articles that will keep you informed of the actions taken by the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government. These articles are meant to be informative and are not a reflection of the views or stance of the system regarding these issues.
If you would like more information regarding any of the stories we share, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Dusty Schnieders schniedersd@umsystem.edu and/or Emily Lucas el59bz@umsystem.edu.
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Capitol Hill News
The Hill – June 25, 2025
Senate Republicans are scrambling to revive former President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” after a major setback on Thursday, when Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down one of the bill’s largest cost-saving measures. The provision—a proposed cap on state health care provider taxes—was ruled a violation of the Byrd Rule, which restricts what can be passed under budget reconciliation. The cap would have cut hundreds of billions in federal Medicaid spending, a central component of the bill’s push for deep fiscal reductions. The ruling has forced GOP leaders to regroup as they race to finalize the package ahead of the July 4 recess.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly – June 25, 2025
Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the , which directs a comprehensive strategy to address the growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals in rural hospitals. The strategy aims to improve cybersecurity preparedness and create a robust workforce to protect vulnerable critical infrastructure—rural hospitals— from cyber threats. This legislation unanimously passed out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last Congress.
House Appropriations Committee – June 23, 2025
The House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 35 to 27. The bill allocates $25.523 billion in discretionary funding, representing a $1.163 billion (4.2%) cut compared to the FY25 enacted level. These reductions reflect a committee priority to reorient programs toward core missions and reduce wasteful spending. Several Biden-era initiatives—including the Rural Partners Network, climate hubs, climate corps, and the Office of Urban Agriculture—included no funding. The legislation also maintains strong support for agricultural research, rural broadband, and food safety programs while codifying prohibitions on funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities. Committee leaders emphasize fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction as key goals of the bill.
House Appropriations – May 21, 2025
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the markup schedule for Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. This schedule is subject to change. An official notice for each markup will be sent in accordance to the Committee's rules.
Monday, July 7, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 5:30 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill
- 6:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill
Monday, July 14, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 6:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill
Monday, July 21, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 5:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 24, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill
Federal News
The New York Times – June 25, 2025
In the wake of two court rulings taking issue with the axing of medical research grants by the Trump administration, a senior official at the National Institutes of Health has directed agency staff members not to cancel any additional research projects, at least for now.
The Hill – June 25, 2025
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving out of its headquarters at the massive Weaver office building in downtown Washington and relocating to an office building in Alexandria, Va., that has been home to the National Science Foundation (NSF), officials announced Wednesday.
This announcement underscores a cross-government partnership to use federal spaces and taxpayer dollars efficiently, ensuring that all buildings are being properly utilized.
Higher Ed Dive – June 24, 2025
A federal judge struck down the National Science Foundation’s policy to cap reimbursement for indirect research costs to colleges at 15%, striking another blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to cut research overhead funding. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled the policy is arbitrary and capricious and doesn’t align with federal law or regulations. With her ruling, indirect cost caps have now been blocked or struck down at all four major federal agencies that have implemented them.
Federal Register – June 20, 2025
The National Science Foundation’s Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate, as mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act (Public Law 117‑167), is soliciting public input to reassess and potentially revise its ten core technology focus areas. Stakeholders from academia, industry, nonprofits, government, and venture capital are invited to comment by July 21, 2025. Comments should address whether existing categories—such as AI, semiconductors, quantum science, advanced materials, biotech, cybersecurity, robotics, energy, disaster mitigation, and communications—need refinement, removal, or expansion. Respondents should also rank which areas are most critical based on geopolitical competition, economic growth, national security, workforce gaps, and translational research needs. Submissions are limited to four sentences per question and must include respondent details; all input will become public record. This RFI aims to guide NSF in updating its priorities to bolster U.S. leadership in innovation, national resilience, and workforce development.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-06-27