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Good morning,  

The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the �Ӱɴ�ý of Missouri �Ӱɴ�ý 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

Politico – September 18, 2025

The battle over a new Continuing Resolution has both parties digging in, with Republicans insisting on a short-term, “clean” bill while Democrats push for policy riders and protections tied to social programs. House Republican leaders are weighing a plan to pass a seven-week stopgap on Friday and then leave town until after the Oct. 1 shutdown deadline, a move designed to “jam” the Senate into accepting the GOP measure. Democrats, meanwhile, are pushing for a vote on an alternative that includes their policy priorities. With the deadline fast approaching, leaders in both chambers are trading blame and showing little willingness to compromise, raising the risk of a shutdown and a prolonged political standoff.

Punchbowl News – September 16, 2025
Senate leaders are again facing the possibility of failing to pass their version of the annual defense authorization bill (NDAA), echoing last year’s breakdown. Majority Leader John Thune is pushing to finalize managers’ packages, set amendment rules, and move to negotiations with the House, but GOP aides warn the odds are uncertain as floor time is consumed by confirmation votes under new chamber rules. Republicans blame Democrats for forcing votes on non-controversial nominations, while Democrats argue the NDAA should be prioritized given national security concerns. Recent procedural fights, including Democratic moves to force votes on contentious issues like release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, have added to tensions and could derail the normally bipartisan process. Without quick resolution, leaders admit the NDAA could slip into October, raising doubts about completing a compromise bill before year’s end.

Breaking Defense – September 10, 2025

The House approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 231–196 vote, largely along party lines. The bill authorizes $848 billion for defense, aligning with the Pentagon’s budget request, and includes provisions to expedite the defense acquisition process. Notably, it authorizes $400 million for Ukraine's security assistance, contingent on presidential determination, and includes measures to prevent reductions in U.S. troop levels in Europe. However, the bill also features several Republican-backed amendments, such as restrictions on transgender medical treatments under TRICARE and the elimination of a Pentagon preference for hybrid or electric vehicles. These provisions led to Democratic opposition. The bill now awaits reconciliation with the Senate version, which authorizes a $32 billion higher topline.

House Appropriations Committee – September 10, 2025

The House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act with a 34–28 vote. The bill allocates a total discretionary funding of $76.824 billion, marking a 2.8% decrease from the previous fiscal year's enacted level. Key provisions include increased funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces to combat fentanyl and other opioids. The bill further directs the re-establishment of the Department of Justice's China Initiative and invests in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Additionally, it includes provisions to counter China’s illicit fentanyl exports and supports the Artemis program to advance U.S. leadership in space exploration.  The measure now awaits consideration by the full House.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available .
Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available .
A table of included Community Project Funding requests is available .

House Appropriations Committee – September 9, 2025

The House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act with a 35–28 vote. The bill allocates $184.5 billion in discretionary funding, a 7% decrease from the previous fiscal year. It emphasizes President Trump's priorities by eliminating over 100 programs, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and renaming AmeriCorps to the America First Corps. The bill also supports initiatives like the Make America Healthy Again program, which invests in rural healthcare, telehealth, and nutrition services. The measure now awaits consideration by the full House. 

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available .
Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available .

Missouri News

Politico – September 12, 2025

The Missouri Senate passed a new congressional map on Friday — a move that likely gives Republicans control of an additional House seat after next year’s midterms. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe pushed for the map’s passage and it is expected to be signed into law quickly, though opponents immediately filed a legal challenge.

2025 Congressional Calendar

Tentative 2025 congressional calendar, subject to change.