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
House Energy and Commerce Committee Advances Reconciliation Bill
American Hospital Association – May 14, 2025
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced its portion of the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation bill by a 30–24 vote along party lines, following a 24-hour markup session. The committee was tasked with reducing deficits by $880 billion, which led to significant proposed changes to Medicaid, including stricter work requirements, increased cost-sharing, and more frequent eligibility checks. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has expressed strong opposition to these provisions, warning that they could result in millions of Americans losing health coverage and place financial strain on hospitals, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process, with further discussions and potential amendments expected in the coming weeks.
Hawley: Big Medicaid cuts ‘morally wrong and politically suicidal’
Politico – May 12, 2025
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) criticized his party's proposed Medicaid cuts, labeling them "morally wrong and politically suicidal." He argued that the push by the GOP's "Wall Street wing" to slash Medicaid benefits would betray working-class Americans and jeopardize the party's electoral prospects. Hawley's warning came shortly after House Republicans unveiled a plan that could result in over 8.6 million people losing coverage, according to preliminary Congressional Budget Office estimates. While the proposal stops short of imposing per-capita caps on federal Medicaid payments, it would still compel states to restructure financing or reduce benefits, along with introducing new cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries.
Chairman Thompson Releases Budget Reconciliation Text
House Committee on Agriculture – May 12, 2025
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) issued a statement after releasing the committee print to comply with the reconciliation directives included in H. Con. Res. 14 Section 2001(b)(1). Text can be found here. A section-by-section can be found here. An overview can be found here. A one-pager on state accountability can be found here. A one-pager on prioritizing work in SNAP can be found here.
Executive Orders
Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients
The White House – May 12, 2025
President Donald Trump signed this executive order directing federal agencies to reduce prescription drug costs by aligning U.S. prices with the lowest rates paid in other developed nations. The order instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to engage pharmaceutical manufacturers within 30 days and facilitate direct-to-consumer access to drugs at these reduced prices. If sufficient voluntary progress is not achieved, the administration may pursue regulatory measures, including formal rulemaking and expanded drug importation. It also tasks the Secretaries of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative with addressing foreign practices that drive up domestic prices, aiming to eliminate what the administration describes as “global freeloading” and ensure fairer pricing for American patients.
Regulatory Relief to Promote Domestic Production of Critical Medicines
The White House – May 5, 2025
President Donald Trump signed this executive order directing federal agencies to streamline regulations and accelerate the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The order mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review and eliminate unnecessary requirements, improve inspection processes, and provide early technical support to manufacturers. It also instructs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update regulations to expedite the construction of pharmaceutical facilities and designates the EPA as the lead agency for environmental permitting. Additionally, the order calls for increased inspections and fees for foreign manufacturing facilities to enhance transparency and shift reliance toward domestic production. These measures aim to bolster national security by reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical medicines.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-05-19