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
House Appropriations Subcommittee Advances FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Funding Bill
House Committee on Appropriations – June 5, 2025
On June 5, 2025, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, chaired by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), advanced its Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill. The legislation aims to support American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by prioritizing agricultural research, rural infrastructure, and food safety programs. During the markup, Chairman Harris emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and the need to address inflationary pressures affecting the agricultural sector. The bill is scheduled for full committee consideration on June 11, 2025. Notably, the bill includes $3 million for the University of Missouri’s Agricultural Animal Genetic Engineering and Health Facility, as well as nearly $1 million for the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment.
- A summary of the bill is available here.
- Bill text is available here.
- A table of included Community Project Funding requests is available here.
Senators Push Back on Proposed Elimination of TRIO Programs in FY26 Education Budget
Roll Call – June 3, 2025
During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on June 3, 2025, bipartisan concern emerged over the Department of Education's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, which includes the elimination of nearly $1.2 billion in funding for TRIO programs, federal initiatives supporting low-income and first-generation college students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the cuts, citing the department's limited ability to assess program accountability. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), co-chair of the TRIO Caucus, expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the programs' positive impact on students in Maine and nationwide. Subcommittee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) also voiced support, highlighting TRIO's role in assisting first-time college students in her state. Democrats, including Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), criticized the proposed cuts, viewing them as part of a broader effort to dismantle the Department of Education. The budget proposal also suggests a $12 billion reduction in overall discretionary spending, consolidates several K-12 grant programs, and increases charter school funding by $60 million.
A Look at Key Flashpoints in the Coming Senate Reconciliation Debate
Roll Call – June 2, 2025
As the Senate begins deliberations on the House-approved "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," several contentious provisions are expected to face rigorous examination under the Senate's Byrd Rule, which restricts non-budgetary items in reconciliation legislation. Key areas of concern include proposed Medicaid reforms that could impact rural healthcare facilities, with Republican Senators Josh Hawley (Mo.), Susan Collins (Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) expressing reservations about restrictions on state-imposed provider taxes and frequent eligibility checks. Additionally, provisions related to immigration, food assistance programs, and clean energy incentives are anticipated to spark debate. The Senate aims to finalize the package by the July Fourth recess, though some lawmakers suggest the August recess as a more feasible deadline. Democrats are preparing to challenge elements they view as extraneous, potentially leading to the removal of certain policy measures that lack significant fiscal impact
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Maintenance Backlog at Agricultural Research Facilities
Senator Jerry Moran Press Release – May 29, 2025
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), alongside Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral AG RESEARCH Act on May 29, 2025. The legislation aims to provide resources to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including Kansas State University. Senator Moran emphasized the importance of maintaining top-tier research institutions to support American farmers and ranchers. Senator Hirono highlighted the decades of underinvestment leading to significant maintenance backlogs at these institutions. Representative Mann noted the high return on investment in agricultural research, stating that the U.S. sees a $20 return for every dollar invested. Representative Schrier underscored the vital role of research institutions in supporting farmers amidst challenges like climate change and rising input costs.
Chairman Cole Releases Fiscal Year 2026 Markup Schedule
House Appropriations – May 21, 2025
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the markup schedule for Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. This schedule is subject to change. An official notice for each markup will be sent in accordance to the Committee's rules.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 12:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill (Classified)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill
Friday, June 13, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 12:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill
Monday, June 23, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 5:30 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Bill
Monday, July 7, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 5:30 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill
- 6:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill
Monday, July 14, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 6:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill
Monday, July 21, 2025
- Subcommittee Markup:
- 5:00 p.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill
Thursday, July 24, 2025
- Full Committee Markup:
- 10:00 a.m. – Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill
Federal News
Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Smuggling a Dangerous Biological Pathogen into the U.S. for their Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory
U.S. Department of Justice – June 3, 2025
On June 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against Chinese nationals Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu for conspiring to smuggle and illegally transport a dangerous biological agent, Fusarium graminearum, into the United States. The fungus, which poses a serious threat to American agriculture by contaminating wheat and corn supplies, was allegedly brought into the country without proper declaration or authorization for unauthorized research at the University of Michigan. The two individuals also face visa fraud charges after misrepresenting the nature of their visit and work in the U.S. This case raises national security concerns related to agroterrorism and highlights vulnerabilities in the regulation of foreign research and biological imports.
Trump Administration Proposes $1,685 Cut to Maximum Pell Grant Amid Projected Shortfall
Inside Higher Ed – June 2, 2025
The Trump administration has proposed reducing the maximum Pell Grant award by $1,685 for the 2026–27 academic year, lowering it from $7,395 to $5,710, in response to a projected $2.7 billion shortfall in the program. This marks a significant reversal of over a decade of efforts to increase Pell Grant funding aimed at assisting low-income students in accessing higher education. The proposed cut has raised concerns among higher education leaders and advocates, who warn that it could diminish college affordability and access for millions of students nationwide.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-06-09