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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 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, an