Good morning,
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
Flock cameras draw bipartisan concerns at Senate hearing
Roll Call – September 23, 2026
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee raised bipartisan concerns this week about the growing use of AI-powered surveillance cameras and automated license plate readers, including systems operated by Flock Safety. Chairman Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) both questioned whether existing safeguards are sufficient to protect Americans’ privacy and civil liberties as billions of images and location records become searchable. Witnesses urged Congress to consider warrant requirements, limits on data retention and sharing, and stronger cybersecurity standards, while lawmakers also acknowledged that the technology can help law enforcement locate missing persons and stolen vehicles. The CEOs of Flock and several other surveillance technology companies declined to testify at the hearing.
U.S. Senate Set for Final Vote on Protect College Sports Act
KRCG – September 22, 2026
The Senate is expected to hold a final vote on the Protect College Sports Act after the legislation cleared multiple procedural votes with bipartisan support. The bill would establish federal standards governing NIL, revenue sharing, transfers and eligibility while providing limited antitrust protections to the NCAA and conferences. Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt is a key cosponsor, and Mizzou is among the universities supporting the legislation.
AI can be the ‘best thing to happen’ or the ‘end of the planet’ warns House Democrat
NBC News – September 14, 2026
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss his reelection campaign after the Supreme Court blocked the use of a Republican-drawn map in November’s midterms. Rep. Cleaver also talks about the role Congress should play in regulating AI as industry leaders sound the alarm bells. AI discussion begins at 4:50 in the video.
Federal News
Supreme Court to Hear Missouri Redistricting Case for Third Time
Fox News – September 23, 2026
The fight over Missouri's congressional districts has returned to the U.S. Supreme Court after People Not Politicians filed an emergency appeal challenging the 8th Circuit's decision requiring use of the 2025 map in November. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who handles emergency applications arising from Missouri, directed supporters of the 2025 map to respond to the request Wednesday. The Supreme Court has already intervened twice in the dispute, most recently blocking enforcement of a federal district court order requiring use of the 2025 map while the 8th Circuit considered the case. Missouri election officials say absentee ballots have already been prepared and distributed using the 2022 districts.
Pentagon Cyber Chief: The Demand Far Exceeds Supply
CyberScoop – September 23, 2026
The Pentagon's top civilian cyber policy official says demand for U.S. military cyber operations is exceeding the Defense Department's current capacity. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy Katie Sutton said the department is working to expand the cyber capabilities available to military leaders as cyber operations become increasingly integrated into traditional warfare. Sutton also said the Pentagon needs to become an "AI-first" organization while addressing risks including data poisoning and weakened AI guardrails.
US ‘not prepared’ to respond to nuclear attacks in space, report says
AirForceTimes – September 16, 2026
A new report from the American Foreign Policy Council warns that the United States is not adequately prepared to detect, respond to, or recover from a nuclear weapon used in space. Based on 2025 war games involving former national security, military, intelligence, Space Force, and commercial satellite officials, the report found major gaps in U.S. detection, attribution, legal guidance, response options, and recovery planning. In scenarios involving a suspected orbital nuclear weapon, coercive threats, and actual detonations in low-Earth and geostationary orbit, participants found the U.S. lacked clear and tested options—particularly for restoring satellite capabilities after a nuclear event. The report comes amid growing concern about Russian counter-space capabilities and underscores the vulnerability of military, commercial, and communications satellites to a nuclear attack in orbit.
Air Force Speeding Up New Low-Cost Drone Program after Heavy MQ-9 Losses Against Iran
Air & Space Forces Magazine – September 4, 2026
The Air Force is accelerating development of a new low-cost drone to replace the MQ-9 Reaper after losing at least 45 MQ-9s, roughly a quarter of the fleet, during operations against Iran and Iranian-backed militias. The Massed Modular Aircraft program is targeting drones costing about $10 million each, with at least 180 aircraft planned and an accelerated goal of fielding them at scale as early as 2029. Rather than pursuing a more expensive MQ-9B replacement, the Air Force wants a simpler, more “attritable” platform that can perform ISR and strike missions, operate in groups, use open-architecture payloads, and incorporate greater automation so one Airman can control multiple aircraft. Officials said the program is deliberately prioritizing mature technology, lower cost, and rapid production over cutting-edge performance so the service can more easily replace combat losses and surge production during major conflicts.
Congressional Calendar
Congressional Calendar 2026 (Read here as a PDF.)