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
The Office of Management and Budget has proposed revisions to Uniform Guidance that would change how agencies administer and award federal grants. Higher education and research organizations have raised concerns that the proposal could give the executive branch greater discretion over funding decisions, impact merit-based grantmaking and create uncertainty for scientific and biomedical research.
Members of Congress are weighing in on OMB’s proposed revisions to Uniform Guidance:
- Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins requested a 45-day extension of the public comment period and urged OMB to withdraw provisions that could harm scientific and biomedical research.
- Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray and Rep. Marcy Kaptur called for the proposal to be rescinded, citing concerns about executive overreach and potential impacts on Department of Energy programs.
- Senate Democrats also urged OMB to withdraw the rule, arguing it would weaken Congress’s authority over federal spending and make federal funding less accessible.
- House Oversight Democrats are circulating a letter opposing the proposal.
- Sen. Jim Banks and Rep. Michael Cloud are circulating letters supporting portions of the proposal focused on DEI-related provisions.
Senate HELP Committee Chair Cassidy Unveils 340B Discussion Draft
AAMC – June 26, 2026
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) unveiled discussion draft legislation, the 340B for Patients Act, which includes policies that would fundamentally reform and modify multiple aspects of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The discussion draft would allow manufacturers to provide 340B savings in the form of an upfront discount or a retrospective rebate at their discretion. The proposal would also introduce new limits on covered entities’ use of contract pharmacy arrangements and child sites, as well as establish a new definition of a “340B patient.” Finally, the legislation would require 340B hospitals to submit additional data to the Department of Health and Human Services. Comments on the proposal are due by Aug. 28.
Delegation News
Graves Introduces Water Resources Bill with Big Wins for Missouri
NEMO News – July 8, 2026
Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, which addresses important water resources infrastructure needs in Missouri and across the country. The bipartisan bill will be marked up in the Transportation Committee. Graves introduced the bill alongside Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL).
Rep. Cleaver Secures Key Missouri Priorities in House Water Resources Bill
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver – July 1, 2026
U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) celebrates the inclusion of several Missouri priorities he championed in the House’s Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that authorizes critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term economic growth. The Water Resources Development Act is considered every two years and authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects that improve navigation, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and water infrastructure across the country. Full text of the bill as a PDF here.
Congressman Mark Alford – July 2, 2026
U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter (linked to a PDF) to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood. The delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.
Senator Schmitt Highlights Massive Federal Investment in Missouri Transportation Infrastructure
U.S. Senator for Missouri Eric Schmitt – July 7, 2026
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) highlighted funds awarded to Missouri as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 2026 BUILD Awards, which are providing $61 million in funding to key transportation infrastructure projects across the state. DOT’s 2026 BUILD Awards will provide cities and counties across Missouri with $61 million in funding for a variety of projects, including expanding roadways, connecting key infrastructure and major roadways, and making safety and quality-of-life improvements.
Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project
Congressman Mark Alford – July 2, 2026
Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter (view here as a PDF) to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation. The funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.
Federal News
College Associations Say Expanded List of Professional Degrees Is ‘Incomplete’
Inside Higher Ed – July 9, 2026
More than a week after the Department of Education expanded the list of degree programs eligible for higher loan limits after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect on July 1, several trade associations and legal experts say the latest expansion is not enough.
USDA Plans to Pay Smaller Meatpackers to Keep Slaughtering Cattle
The Wall Street Journal – June 30, 2026
The Trump administration is prepping a financial lifeline for smaller meatpackers struggling with dwindling cattle supplies, which have sent beef prices surging. The U.S. Agriculture Department plans to pledge up to $500 million in payments for small- and medium-size meatpacking companies. The money would be distributed to beef plants that keep their processing volumes at a certain level.