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
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security remains unresolved as Senate negotiations stall ahead of a Friday midnight deadline. House leadership says it passed full-year FY26 appropriations under regular order and blames Senate Democrats for altering a previously negotiated deal. If a shutdown occurs, DHS components including TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, Secret Service, cybersecurity operations, and certain law enforcement programs would be impacted, though immigration enforcement and border wall construction are expected to continue under separate authorities and reconciliation funding. A short-term resolution remains possible, but the risk of a partial DHS shutdown has increased.
House Agriculture Republicans have released Farm Bill text with markup expected the week of February 23. Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) signaled strong opposition, citing concerns over pesticide manufacturer protections and broader policy direction. With a slim House majority, Republicans may need limited Democratic support to advance the bill, especially as some fiscal conservatives typically oppose farm subsidy packages. Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-AR) is expected to pursue a more bipartisan path in his chamber to secure 60 votes. The traditional bipartisan coalition behind the farm bill appears strained, raising questions about timing and final passage.
Delegation News
Hawley, Warren Introduce Bill to Break Up Big Medicine
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley Press Release – February 11, 2026
Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren have introduced the bipartisan Break Up Big Medicine Act, legislation aimed at reducing consolidation across the healthcare industry to lower costs and restore competition. The bill targets vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates that own insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, and medical providers within the same corporate structure—an arrangement critics argue drives up prescription drug prices, limits patient choice, and squeezes out independent doctors and pharmacies. The proposal would prohibit certain ownership conflicts, require companies to divest overlapping business lines within one year, impose penalties for noncompliance, and empower federal and state regulators to enforce the changes. Supporters say the measure is designed to increase transparency, prevent anti-competitive practices, and make healthcare more affordable for patients and employers.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley Press Release – February 11, 2026
Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal introduced the Guaranteeing Rate Insulation from Data Centers (GRID) Act, bipartisan legislation designed to protect American consumers from rising electricity costs tied to the rapid expansion of power-hungry data centers driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing demands. The bill would ensure that new data centers do not increase consumer utility rates by requiring them to use energy sources separate from the main grid, prioritize households and small businesses for grid access, and phase in compliance for existing facilities over 10 years. It also includes transparency measures for data center operators to publicly report their energy usage, aiming to keep costs down for everyday electricity customers as demand on the grid grows.
Chairman Williams and Rep. Alford Host Small Business Roundtable
House Committee on Small Business – February 12, 2026
Last week, the House Small Business Committee, led by Chairman Roger Williams and Rep. Mark Alford, held the first stop of its “Open Road: Small Business Conversations Across Main Street America” roundtable in Kansas City to hear directly from local entrepreneurs about challenges facing small businesses and what Congress can do to help. Small business owners from across the region—including manufacturers, builders, distillers, and community leaders—shared concerns about regulatory red tape, access to capital, and the need for supportive federal policy, emphasizing how these issues impact their ability to hire, invest, and expand. The event also highlighted opportunities tied to upcoming economic activity in Kansas City, including local businesses preparing for the 2026 World Cup, and reinforced the committee’s focus on cutting costs, reducing barriers, and making government work better for Main Street.
Burlison Introduces Bill to Expand Counter-Drone Authority for State and Local Law Enforcement
Congressman Eric Burlison Press Release – February 12, 2026
Rep. Eric Burlison introduced the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act, bipartisan legislation that would authorize state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to deploy approved counter-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure and public events from hostile unmanned aircraft. The bill creates a three-year pilot program allowing up to 4,000 agencies nationwide to detect and mitigate drone threats, plus a separate expedited pilot for up to 40 agencies in the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while maintaining training, privacy safeguards, and equipment standards. After the pilot period, the measure establishes a permanent pathway for qualified agencies to obtain ongoing counter-drone authority through existing federal grant programs for equipment, training, and operations.
Federal News
U.S. Department of Energy – February 12, 2026
The U.S. Department of Energy announced 26 science and technology challenges of national importance to advance the Genesis Mission and accelerate innovation and discovery through artificial intelligence (AI). Building on President Trump’s Executive Orders Launching The Genesis Mission and Removing Barriers to American Leadership In Artificial Intelligence, the challenges span DOE’s discovery science, energy, and national security missions. Each was selected for its potential to deliver measurable benefits for the American people and to accelerate advancements through the Genesis Mission’s AI platforms, world-class facilities, and public-private partnerships.
Pentagon let CBP use anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace
AP News – February 11, 2026
The Pentagon allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to use an anti-drone laser earlier this week, leading the Federal Aviation Administration to suddenly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas. The confusing arc of events began as the FAA announced it was shutting down all flight traffic over the city on the U.S.-Mexico border for 10 days, stranding some travelers, but the closure ended up only lasting a few hours. The Trump administration said it stemmed from the FAA and Pentagon working to halt an incursion by Mexican cartel drones, which are not uncommon along the southern border. While the restrictions were short-lived in the city of nearly 700,000 people, it is unusual for an entire airport to shut down even for a short time. Stranded travelers with luggage lined up at airline ticket counters and car rental desks before the order was lifted. Normal flights resumed after seven arrivals and seven departures were canceled. Some medical evacuation flights also had to be rerouted.
USDA Announces Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework to End Agricultural Lawfare
USDA – February 11, 2026
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework, a bold initiative to protect America’s agricultural heritage and defend farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers from politically motivated lawfare. The Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework is a four-pillar comprehensive plan to protect, preserve, and partner with American agriculture, while ending onerous regulations and the weaponization of government against American farmers and ranchers. By formalizing this Framework, USDA will continue to help reduce the cost of production for farmers and help them focus on producing the most nutritious, wholesome, and affordable food supply in the world. Agricultural lawfare is the use of administrative, legal, and legislative government systems to adversely impact farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.
Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2026-02-16