Good afternoon,
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
Washington is weighing the implications of President Trump’s ceasefire deal with Iran, which could mark the end of more than 100 days of hostilities that drove up energy prices and strained defense spending. Even with the potential breakthrough, the defense policy picture remains uncertain on Capitol Hill, with skepticism over the Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion funding request and little movement on supplemental funding for operations in Venezuela and Iran. At the same time, the Trump administration continues to face tension with lawmakers over issues such as U.S. force posture in Europe, while senior Pentagon officials stress the urgent need to rebuild weapons production capacity and accelerate adoption of advanced military technologies.
Protect College Sports Act headed to Senate for full vote
ESPN – June 18, 2026
The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 on Thursday to advance the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act to the full Senate, marking a major step toward federal regulation of college athletics. The bill, led by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, would create national rules around athlete compensation, transfer eligibility, NIL oversight, coach movement, and certain antitrust protections for the NCAA and college sports governance. Supporters, including several professional sports organizations and some conferences, argue the bill would bring stability to a rapidly changing college sports landscape, while the SEC and Big Ten have opposed the current version and called for revisions. The measure now heads to the Senate floor, where it would likely need 60 votes and still faces an uncertain path in the House.
SASC Chairman Roger Wicker and Ranking Member Jack Reed Announce FY27 NDAA Filing
United States Senate Armed Services Committee – June 16, 2026
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss, and Jack Reed, D-RI, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that S. 4784, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA), has been filed.
Read the FY27 NDAA Bill Language (PDF).
Read the FY27 NDAA Executive Summary (PDF).
Read the FY27 Report Language (Committee Filing Version - PDF).
Delegation News
Graves’ defense bill brings wins for 139th Airlift Wing, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant
KQ2 – June 16, 2026
Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, is working to bring millions of dollars in resources to North Missouri through the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House Armed Services Committee on June 5. Overall, the bill would also allocate $40 million for mobility aircraft connectivity, increasing safety for aircrews operating in hostile environments. Service members would receive a 5% to 7% pay raise. It also expands military bonuses and special pay.
Congressional Calendar
House Appropriations Committee Releases FY27 Markup Schedule
The House Committee on Appropriations Chair Tom Cole released the markup schedule for FY2027 appropriations bills.
Defense
- Full Committee Markup at 11am on Wednesday, June 24