Good evening,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University 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
Schmitt Joins Cruz, Cantwell, Coons in Unveiling Bipartisan Bill to Save College Sports
Senator Eric Schmitt – May 27, 2026
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) today joined Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in announcing their bipartisan Protect College Sports Act of 2026 (View the PDF here) Legislation includes Schmitt’s framework to allow conferences to pool media rights to grow revenue.
What the NDAA says about defense hawks
Punchbowl – May 27, 2026
House released it’s version of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (View the PDF here). The bill authorizes $1.14 trillion in defense spending. The draft NDAA, known as the chairman’s mark, seeks to reassert Congress’ place in military force posture decisions. The House Armed Services Committee is set to hold its markup on June 4.
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver – May 26, 2026
U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that he has secured $13,103,920 in Community Project Funding (CPF) in appropriations packages announced by the House Committee on Appropriations. With the appropriations process moving forward in the full committee, Congressman Cleaver successfully included federal investments for twenty projects across Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District in the funding bills drafted by the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), as well as the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS). Included in the recently announced funding packages are twenty separate investments for local projects supported by Congressman Cleaver, including: $772,700 to the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) to be used to position UMKC as a research and validation hub dedicated to developing standards-aligned, AI-driven cybersecurity tools specifically designed to protect public schools and municipalities before disruption occurs. The research will aid in proactively identifying vulnerabilities, strengthening defenses, and developing reproducible cybersecurity measurement tools.
Federal News
U.S. Exploring Small Modular Nuclear Reactors In Marine Transportation
Forbes – May 23, 2026
The U.S. Maritime Administration is exploring the use of small modular nuclear reactors to help power the future of commercial marine transportation. The effort follows a May 7 request for information seeking industry input on a U.S. built, scalable, and commercially viable SMR system that could be deployed across the marine transportation system. The initiative is framed around lowering long term shipping costs, strengthening U.S. shipbuilding, improving energy resilience, and positioning the United States to lead in advanced maritime technology. For universities, industry, and federal partners working in nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and workforce development, the effort signals a growing federal interest in applying next generation nuclear technologies beyond traditional power generation and into strategic sectors tied to commerce, supply chains, and national competitiveness.
Congressional Calendar
House Appropriations Committee Releases FY27 Markup Schedule
On Monday, the House Committee on Appropriations Chair Tom Cole released the markup schedule for FY2027 appropriations bills.
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
- Full Committee Markup at 10am on Wednesday, June 3
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill
- Subcommittee Markup at 8am on Friday, June 5
- Full Committee Markup at 11am on Tuesday, June 9
Defense
- Subcommittee Markup at 9am on Thursday, June 11 (Classified)
- Full Committee Markup at 11am on Wednesday, June 24