Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø 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 and/or Emily Lucas .
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Defense News
Defense News – December 14, 2023
Congress today passed its $874.2 billion defense policy bill. The Defense Department is currently operating under a stopgap funding bill, which means it can’t start most new initiatives or move forward with many acquisitions authorized in the NDAA absent a full spending bill. It also authorizes $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in both FY24 and FY25.
U.S. Department of Defense – December 14, 2023
Both the House and Senate have passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president. Among other things, the bill authorizes:
- 5.2% pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees.
- Bill increases family separation allowance to $400 per month
- Authorizes the Navy to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for up to 13 Virginia class submarines
- Authorizes the department to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are used to manufacture the permanent magnets used in major U.S. military weapons systems and in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries.
Federal News
U.S. National Science Foundation – December 14, 2023
The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced the first-ever Accelerating Research Translation (ART) investment — more than $100 million to 18 teams at academic institutions across the nation. NSF's investment will enable academic institutions to accelerate the pace and scale of translational research that will grow the nation's economy. One of the awardees was the ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø (mentor: Washington University in St. Louis).
US Department of Heal