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The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University of 亚洲影院 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 Committee on Rules 鈥 April 16, 2026
The House Rules Committee has advanced consideration of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, setting the stage for floor action on the House鈥檚 long-awaited farm bill reauthorization. The legislation, which was approved by the House Agriculture Committee following a lengthy bipartisan markup, would reauthorize key USDA programs through FY31 and addresses major policy areas including commodity support, conservation, research, rural development, and nutrition programs. As Congress works to replace the 2018 Farm Bill ahead of its latest extension deadline, the Rules Committee鈥檚 action marks a critical step toward full House consideration, with the bill expected to serve as the House鈥檚 negotiating position in eventual discussions with the Senate.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell 鈥 April 16, 2026
The bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, led by Sen. Maria Cantwell, advanced unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee, signaling strong support for continued U.S. leadership in quantum technology. The legislation would reauthorize and expand federal quantum research and development efforts for another five years across key agencies, including NSF, NIST, and NASA, while strengthening workforce development, supply chains, and public private partnerships. The bill also emphasizes accelerating real world applications of quantum technologies and enhancing coordination with international allies, reflecting growing recognition of quantum as a critical area for national security and economic competitiveness amid global competition.
Delegation News
Politico 鈥 April 15, 2026
House Transportation and Infrastructure leaders are moving ahead with work on a major surface transportation reauthorization bill, with Chairman Sam Graves targeting a markup for April 29 and signaling a topline in the range of roughly $500鈥$550 billion over five years. The effort comes as Congress faces a looming deadline to replace the current infrastructure law set to expire this fall, setting up what is expected to be a significant legislative vehicle with debates likely around funding levels, policy priorities, and potential new revenue mechanisms, including user fees.
House Appropriations 鈥 April 16, 2027
House appropriators held a hearing on the U.S. Army鈥檚 FY27 budget request, focusing on how the service plans to maintain readiness while adapting to an increasingly complex global threat environment. Lawmakers emphasized the need to balance near-term operational readiness with long-term modernization, including investments that make the force more lethal, agile, and cost-effective. Key themes included the importance of maintaining sufficient munitions stockpiles, scaling affordable capabilities for large-scale conflict, and ensuring the Army can deter adversaries such as China while sustaining operations across multiple theaters. The hearing also reinforced Congress鈥檚 oversight role in ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently while equipping soldiers with the resources needed to succeed in future conflicts.
Federal News
Scientific American 鈥 April 15, 2026
If the U.S. is ever to set up a permanent outpost on the moon, it will need nuclear power. The White House just released a road map to get it as soon as 2028. The , released on April 14, orders NASA, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy to ready a moon-orbiting nuclear power system for launch as soon as 2028. The new directive follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump late last year that also set out plans for nuclear reactors on the moon.
Breaking Defense 鈥 April 14, 2026
The Trump administration鈥檚 National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power says the Pentagon and NASA will run 鈥渄esign competitions鈥 that are 鈥減arallel and mutually reinforcing鈥 to achieve space-based nuclear power. The Trump administration published a new strategy to bring nuclear power to the heavens through a cooperative effort between civil and military authorities could see the Pentagon demonstrate an orbital reactor in as few as five years, according to a White House memo. Unveiled at the Space Symposium conference, the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power effectively implements an signed by President Donald Trump aimed at achieving American dominance in space.
AL 鈥 April 13, 2026
A $2.4 billion submarine manufacturing facility in northwest Alabama marks one of the largest recent investments in the U.S. maritime industrial base, aimed at strengthening domestic shipbuilding capacity and national defense. The highly automated, 2.2 million square foot 鈥渇actory of the future鈥 will produce key components for Virginia class and Columbia class submarines, helping reduce production bottlenecks and accelerate delivery timelines. Backed by a mix of roughly $900 million in federal funding and $1.5 billion in private investment, the project is expected to create up to 1,000 high quality jobs while driving broader economic growth in the region. The facility also reflects a broader push to modernize U.S. manufacturing and rebuild critical defense supply chains through public private partnerships.
Congressional Calendar
House Appropriations Committee Releases FY27 Markup Schedule
On Monday, the House Committee on Appropriations Chair Tom Cole released the markup schedule for FY2027 appropriations bills.
Financial Services and General Government
- at 11am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- , if necessary at 10am on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs
- at 8am on Thursday, April 21
- at 11am on Tuesday, April 28
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- at 8am on Thursday, April 21
- at 11am on Tuesday, April 28
- , if necessary at 10am on April 29
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- at 8am on Thursday, April 30
- at 11am on Wednesday, May 13
鈥疎nergy and Water Development and Related Agencies
- at 9am on Friday, May 15
- at 10am on Wednesday, May 20
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
- at 8am on Thursday, May 21
- at 10am on Wednesday, June 3
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill
- at 8am on Friday, June 5
- at 11am on Tuesday, June 9
Defense
- Subcommittee Markup at 9am on Thursday, June 11 (Classified)
- at 11am on Wednesday, June 24