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Good afternoon, 

The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the ɬ�﷬��������ַ 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

NPR – May 22, 2025
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) on May 22, 2025, with a 215–214 vote, advancing President Trump's comprehensive legislative agenda. This extensive reconciliation package extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eliminates federal income taxes on tips and overtime, and increases the child tax credit to $2,500 through 2028. It also introduces $1,000 "Trump savings accounts" for newborns and raises the state and local tax deduction cap to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000. To offset these tax reductions, the bill implements significant changes to Medicaid, including stricter work requirements starting in late 2026, increased co-payments, and more frequent eligibility verifications. Additionally, it bans Medicaid and CHIP coverage for gender-affirming care across all age groups and prohibits federal funding for clinics providing abortion services. The legislation further allocates $47 billion for border wall construction, $25 billion for a new missile defense system, and raises the debt ceiling by $4 trillion. While the bill fulfills key conservative priorities, it faces challenges in the Senate, where some Republicans have expressed concerns over its provisions. For health provisions in the 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill, please see click .  

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.

Thursday, June 5, 2025 

• Subcommittee Markup:
  • 10:30 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 

• Subcommittee Markup:
  • 12:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill (Classified)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 

• Full Committee Markup:  
  • 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill

Friday, June 13, 2025 

• Full Committee Markup:  
  • 12:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill 

Monday, June 23, 2025 

• Subcommittee Markup:
  • 5:30 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill

Thursday, June 26, 2025 

• Full Committee Markup:  
  • 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Bill

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

US Department of Commerce – May 16, 2025
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced a major overhaul of the Tech Hubs Program to ensure federal investments are strategic, fair, and deliver strong returns for taxpayers. He criticized the previous administration’s rushed and opaque award process, which granted funding to six Tech Hubs using outdated applications and without properly notifying prospective applicants. Under new leadership, the Commerce Department will relaunch the program with a transparent, competitive process that prioritizes national security, project quality, and fiscal responsibility. A new notice of funding opportunity will be released this summer, with final selections expected in early 2026. All applicants, including those previously selected, will have the chance to compete on a level playing field.

House GOP – May 22, 2025
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has announced a new policy aimed at increasing accountability and identifying wasteful spending within the Department of Energy (DOE). This initiative aligns with President Trump's commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently. The policy focuses on scrutinizing existing programs and expenditures to eliminate unnecessary costs and redirect funds toward critical energy projects that benefit the American people. Secretary Wright emphasized that this approach will enhance transparency, promote fiscal responsibility, and strengthen the nation's energy infrastructure. The DOE's efforts are part of a broader government-wide initiative to optimize operations and deliver better value to taxpayers

Secretary of Defense – May 14, 2025
On May 14, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a policy to cap indirect cost rates at 15% for all new financial assistance awards to institutions of higher education. This move aims to redirect up to $900 million annually from administrative overhead to direct investments in innovation, operational capabilities, and strategic deterrence. The DoD will also seek to renegotiate existing awards to align with the new cap, and where agreements cannot be reached, may terminate and reissue awards under revised terms. The policy is grounded in federal regulations permitting deviations from negotiated rates when justified, and formal guidance will be integrated into upcoming grant solicitations to ensure transparency and compliance.

The White House – May 12, 2025
President Donald Trump signed this executive order directing federal agencies to reduce prescription drug costs by aligning U.S. prices with the lowest rates paid in other developed nations. The order instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to engage pharmaceutical manufacturers within 30 days and facilitate direct-to-consumer access to drugs at these reduced prices. If sufficient voluntary progress is not achieved, the administration may pursue regulatory measures, including formal rulemaking and expanded drug importation. It also tasks the Secretaries of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative with addressing foreign practices that drive up domestic prices, aiming to eliminate what the administration describes as “global freeloading” and ensure fairer pricing for American patients.

The White House – May 5, 2025

President Donald Trump signed this executive order directing federal agencies to streamline regulations and accelerate the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The order mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and eliminate unnecessary requirements, improve inspection processes, and provide early technical support to manufacturers. It also instructs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update regulations to expedite the construction of pharmaceutical facilities and designates the EPA as the lead agency for environmental permitting. Additionally, the order calls for increased inspections and fees for foreign manufacturing facilities to enhance transparency and shift reliance toward domestic production. These measures aim to bolster national security by reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical medicines.

2025 Congressional Calendar