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The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the ºÚË¿¹ú²úÔÚÏß 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 Finance Committee – June 16, 2025
Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R‑Idaho) unveiled the committee's reconciliation bill text aimed at extending and embedding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions. The draft proposes making permanent key tax reforms, such as lower individual and corporate rates, enhanced child tax credits, full expensing for capital investments, R&D incentives, and the 20% pass-through deduction, while forestalling a looming $4+ trillion tax increase set to hit households earning under $400,000 and small businesses. The bill also claims to deliver entitlement savings between $1.5–2 trillion, bolstering deficit reduction. Republicans present the package as essential for sustained economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility. Moving forward, the legislation is expected to go through markup and amendment in the Finance Committee before reaching the full Senate and being folded into broader budget reconciliation along with the FY 2026 appropriations process.
- Click to view bill text.
- Click for a section-by-section.
- Click for a bill overview.
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.
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
Higher Ed Dive – June 19, 2025
After ordering the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cap indirect-cost reimbursements for university research grants at 15%, down from an average of 27–28%, the Trump administration has extended this cap to other federal science agencies including the Department of Energy, Defense, and most recently the National Science Foundation (NSF) for new grants. The move has triggered immediate backlash: 22 state attorneys general, public university associations, and major research institutions have filed lawsuits challenging its legality, arguing it violates federal statutes and threatens vital research infrastructure. Courts have responded with injunctions, in some cases permanent, blocking implementation at NIH, Energy, and NSF while legal review continues . Meanwhile, higher education groups are proposing alternative cost models, such as the FAIR framework, which aim for simplified yet transparent indirect-cost support structures. Looking ahead, agencies and Congress are likely to engage in extended policy debates and legal proceedings over the next months, with implications for research funding and university infrastructure.
AAU, APLU & ACE – June 16, 2025
The Association of American Universities (AAU), Association of Public & Land-grant Universities (APLU), and American Council on Education (ACE), along with 12 major research institutions, filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of Defense’s decision to cap reimbursement for Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs at 15% for defense-related research. The groups argue that this arbitrary limit violates federal grant regulations and will immediately disrupt national security research by underfunding projects vital to military readiness. A federal judge responded swiftly, issuing a nationwide temporary restraining order on June 17 halting the policy. Advocates warn the cuts could severely hinder scientific innovation tied to U.S. defense. Next steps involve the court's review and potential permanent block before the policy’s implementation schedule proceeds.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-06-20