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
Senate Republican leaders are running into resistance as they seek unanimous consent to bring an FY26 appropriations minibus to the floor. Current discussions reportedly focus on combining some mix of the Commerce Justice Science, Defense, Interior Environment, Labor HHS Education, and Transportation HUD bills. On the House side, Appropriations Committee Ranking Member has signaled that action before the holiday recess is unlikely, noting that the chamber does not appear to be in a position to complete work before adjournment. Lawmakers are expected to release the text of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act soon, but it has been met with last-minute disagreements.
House votes to extend acute hospital care at home
Healthcare Finance – December 2, 2025
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously voted on legislation to continue acute hospital care at home, a program supported by the American Hospital Association and numerous other provider organizations. The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313), which extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) through 2030, now moves to the Senate for a vote. The American Telemedicine Association has urged for passage and for President Donald Trump’s signature before a January deadline when the program expires.
House cancels vote on college sports NIL bill
Roll Call – December 3, 2025
House leaders canceled a vote on a bill that would create a national framework for college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image and likeness, known as NIL deals. The measure had been teed up for a floor debate and vote but apparently did not have enough votes to pass after a handful of Freedom Caucus members aired concerns. The bill from Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., would codify college athletics rules changes and preempt conflicting state laws on the legal right of athletes to sign NIL deals. It would also give the NCAA and major sports conferences limited immunity from future lawsuits.
Delegation News
Senator Schmitt Outlines Severe Problems with OPT Program
Senator Eric Schmitt Press Release - November 14, 2025
Senator Eric Schmitt released a statement announcing his letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem supporting the administration’s reported plans to reform or potentially end the Optional Practical Training OPT program, a work benefit that allows foreign students to remain in the United States after graduation. He argues that OPT was created without explicit congressional authorization and has evolved into a program that disadvantages American graduates by acting as a backdoor jobs pipeline for foreign workers, distorting university incentives and raising national security concerns. Schmitt urges DHS to conduct a full review of OPT and align any reforms with an America First approach that prioritizes opportunities for U.S. students and workers.
Senator Eric Schmitt Press Release – December 3, 2025
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) questioned Jared Isaccman, nominee to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), about America’s return to the moon and the need to strengthen partnerships between NASA, academic institutions, and the private sector. Schmitt also highlighted the work Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, is doing to stay on the cutting edge of quantum research.
Hawley applauds decision to drop AI-related provision from Defense bill
The Hill – December 3, 2025
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a leading Senate critic of the threat he says the AI poses to American workers and impressionable teenagers, is applauding a preliminary decision by House GOP leaders to drop a provision barring states from regulating AI from the annual Defense bill. President Trump has led the push for a moratorium on state regulation of AI, arguing there should be one federal standard, even though Congress and other policymakers in Washington have made little progress toward reaching consensus on nationwide regulations. Other conservative populists have lashed out against the effort to stop states from regulating AI, warning the emerging technology endangers kids and teenagers and threatens to supplant many American workers.
Senator Schmitt Emphasizes Need to Strengthen Cybersecurity Technology
Senator Eric Schmitt R MO used a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to press for stronger, more modern cybersecurity standards in federal procurement and critical systems. He highlighted lessons from the recent “Salt Typhoon” cyber campaign, arguing that outdated hardware and weak requirements leave key networks and satellite systems vulnerable. Schmitt emphasized that Congress and the Executive Branch should leverage federal contracts to require robust cybersecurity audits and adherence to frameworks like NIST, rather than relying on check the box regulations that burden industry without meaningfully reducing risk. He urged a balanced approach that secures taxpayer funded systems while still allowing innovative, smaller firms to compete for federal work and help keep America ahead of foreign adversaries in the cyber domain.
Federal News
US Department of Energy – November 24, 2025
President Trump issued an Executive Order to launch the Genesis Mission, a historic national effort led by the Department of Energy. The Genesis Mission will transform American science and innovation through the power of artificial intelligence (AI), strengthening the nation’s technological leadership and global competitiveness. The ambitious mission will harness the current AI and advanced computing revolution to double the productivity and impact of American science and engineering within a decade. It will deliver decisive breakthroughs to secure American energy dominance, accelerate scientific discovery, and strengthen national security.
These Grad Degrees Aren't Considered 'Professional'—Limiting Student Loans
Investopedia – December 2, 2025
Starting July 1, 2026, graduate students will be limited to a total of $100,000 in loans, but graduate students in professional degree programs will have their cap increased to $200,000. The Department of Education recently defined which graduate students are considered ‘professional.’ Degrees such as medicine, law, and pharmacy were considered professional degrees, while nursing, social work, and engineering programs were not included in the classification. Under the proposed language, there will be 11 different graduate degrees considered 'professional' and will not be subject to the lower limit. Students getting a graduate degree that isn't on the list will be subject to the $100,000 limit.
Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-12-08