Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University of ºüÀêÉÙÅ® 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 GOP – May 7, 2025
The House of Representatives passed , the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, to stop the Chinese Communist Party from spreading influence on US college campuses. The bill bars the Department of Homeland Security from funding institutions that host Confucius Institutes, which are linked to CCP propaganda. Supporters say the bill protects national security by preventing foreign interference in American education and research.
Politico – May 7, 2025
The House Agriculture Committee has scheduled a markup session for May 8 to advance its portion of the Republican-led mega bill aimed at implementing President Donald Trump's domestic policy agenda. The bill includes significant reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), targeting $230 billion in spending cuts over the next decade. Proposed changes involve shifting some program costs to states, imposing stricter work requirements, and penalizing states for overpayment errors. These measures have raised concerns among GOP lawmakers from states with large low-income populations, who fear the impact on their constituents. The markup is part of a broader effort to meet the House's deficit reduction targets and align with Senate Republicans' goals. However, the proposals have faced internal resistance, leading to delays and adjustments in the committee's schedule. The markup session is a critical step in advancing the megabill through the legislative process.
Federal News
Forbes – May 9, 2025
The National Science Foundation is undergoing a sweeping overhaul, eliminating all 37 of its research divisions, laying off staff, canceling over $1 billion in previously awarded grants, and the implementation of a 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursements for universities. The dramatic restructuring follows the resignation of NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and coincides with a proposed 55% cut to the agency’s budget.
Department of Energy – May 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three new policy actions projected to save over $935 million annually by capping indirect costs on federal funding. Effective immediately, indirect cost rates are limited to 10% for state and local governments, and 15% for both non-profit and for-profit organizations.
White House – May 5, 2025
President Trump signed an executive order suspending federal funding for gain-of-function biological research in countries of concern and pausing similar research in the U.S. pending updated safety policies. The order directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to revise oversight frameworks within 120 days and strengthen monitoring of non-federally funded research to address biosecurity risks.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – May 2, 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a major reorganization to enhance scientific integration across its offices. The restructuring includes creating the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions to strengthen scientific input into regulatory decisions. Additionally, scientific functions are being relocated from the Office of Research and Development (ORD) to various program offices. This move is part of President Trump's initiative to streamline federal agencies and improve efficiency. Critics argue that the dissolution of ORD and the planned reduction of its staff by approximately 75% could undermine the agency's scientific independence and effectiveness. The EPA anticipates that these changes will result in annual savings of $300 million and align staffing levels with those from the 1980s.
White House – April 28, 2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, states and localities that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. These jurisdictions will be notified of their noncompliance and potential violations of federal criminal law. The order instructs federal agencies to identify and suspend or terminate federal funding, including grants and contracts, to these jurisdictions, as permitted by law. Additionally, the order mandates the Attorney General to take appropriate action against state and local laws that unlawfully prioritize aliens over American citizens, such as providing in-state tuition benefits to undocumented immigrants.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Reviewed 2025-05-09