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
Important to note, Congress will not be in session for the next two weeks and will resume April 13th.
Freedom Caucus slams Senate DHS deal, complicating path to swift passage
The Hill – March 27, 2025
The Senate passed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to end the weeks-long partial shutdown, but the measure immediately ran into strong opposition in the House, particularly from the Freedom Caucus, due to its exclusion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection. The Senate deal was designed as a compromise to quickly restore funding for agencies like TSA and address worsening airport disruptions, but House conservatives argue it fails to support immigration enforcement priorities and lacks provisions tied to voter ID and deportation efforts. As a result, the House is unlikely to accept the Senate plan as written, raising the prospect of alternative legislation or further delays, and prolonging a broader standoff between Republicans and Democrats over immigration policy and DHS funding.
In the Senate, Thune resurrects idea of reconciliation
Roll Call – March 24, 2027
In the Senate, John Thune has revived the possibility of pursuing another budget reconciliation bill as Republicans look for a path forward amid stalled negotiations, particularly around ICE funding and advancing key GOP priorities like voter ID legislation. Once viewed as unlikely after last year’s major reconciliation package, the idea has quickly gained traction as a way to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold and pass legislation with a simple majority. However, the approach faces significant hurdles, including the need for near unanimous Republican support in a narrowly divided Senate and strict procedural limits under the Byrd Rule, which could strip out policy provisions that do not directly impact spending or revenue. While Thune and GOP leadership see reconciliation as a viable fallback option, its success remains uncertain given internal party divisions and the technical constraints of the process.
Delegation News
Congressman Sam Graves Retiring
Sam Graves announced he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term, concluding more than 20 years representing Missouri’s 6th District. In his statement, Graves emphasized his pride in serving his constituents and highlighted his leadership on transportation and infrastructure policy, particularly as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congressman Graves has also been a strong champion for the University of Missouri System, leaving a lasting mark on transportation, higher education, workforce development, and Missouri’s agriculture community. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
Federal News
3 major defense contractors boost production of missile systems, drones
AI.com – March 26, 2026
The framework agreements with Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Honeywell Aerospace would enhance U.S.’s ability to defend against aerial threats, including one-way attack drones, according to Military Times. Lockheed would be producing more Precision Strike Missile used for the first time in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The defense contractor said the agreement builds on last year’s $4.94 billion U.S. Army contract and would involve investments in advanced tooling, facility modernization and testing equipment. The Pentagon is also partnering with BAE Systems to quadruple the production of infrared seekers, which are advanced sensors for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor system, which Lockheed produces. Another agreement would see Honeywell Aerospace commit $500 million to increase the production of navigation systems, actuators and electronic warfare solutions.
Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2026-03-30