Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ 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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Athletics News
AP – April 17, 2025
The NCAA has announced significant changes to the transfer portal and recruiting processes in college sports. Starting in the 2024–25 academic year, the transfer portal windows for football and basketball will be shortened from 45 days to 30 days. In football, this will be split into a 20-day window in December following conference championships and a 10-day window in April. In basketball, the portal will open for 30 days starting the day after the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, the NCAA will eliminate the National Letter of Intent, replacing it with written offers of athletic aid. These changes aim to streamline the transfer process and reduce confusion and disruptions caused by lengthy transfer windows.
Federal News
Reuters – April 16, 2025
​On April 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to reduce federal research funding by capping reimbursements for indirect costs—such as facilities and staff—at 15%. The proposed cuts, aimed at saving over $400 million annually, faced legal challenges from universities including MIT, Princeton, and Caltech, which argued that the reductions would lead to layoffs and harm scientific research. A hearing is scheduled for April 28 to determine whether a longer-term injunction is warranted.
The White House – April 15, 2025
​On April 15, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of U.S. reliance on imported processed critical minerals and their derivative products. These materials, essential for sectors like defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing, are increasingly sourced from a limited number of foreign suppliers, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and market distortions. The investigation aims to assess the risks posed by this dependency and explore measures to enhance domestic production and resilience in these critical supply chains.
White House Press Release – April 15, 2025
On April 15, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First," aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and improving affordability for American patients. The order proposes extending the Medicare negotiation timeline for small-molecule drugs from 9 to 13 years—matching biologics—subject to congressional approval. It also reinstates a Trump-era program providing discounted insulin at community health centers, directs standardization of patient costs across care settings (site-neutral payments), encourages FDA approval of state plans to import lower-cost prescription drugs, and calls for expedited approval of generic and biosimilar drugs. Together, these initiatives seek to boost competition, lower prices, and strengthen access to lifesaving medications.
Reuters – April 14, 2025
On April 14, 2025, the Trump administration-initiated Section 232 investigations into U.S. imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, citing national security concerns due to heavy reliance on foreign production. These probes aim to assess whether such dependencies pose risks to critical industries and supply chains. The investigations, which began on April 1 and were announced through Federal Register filings, include 21-day public comment periods and are scheduled to conclude within 270 days. The administration is considering imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on these sectors by mid-May. While some industry stakeholders advocate for phased implementation to mitigate potential disruptions, critics warn of possible shortages and increased costs resulting from these measures.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Press Release – April 14, 2025
​On April 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC), a $3 billion program initiated during the Biden administration to support climate-friendly agricultural practices. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated that a review revealed excessive administrative costs, with many projects allocating less than half of the funds directly to farmers. The USDA plans to redirect existing funding toward initiatives that ensure a minimum of 65% of funds reach producers and require evidence of payments to farmers by the end of 2024. This move aligns with the Trump administration's focus on prioritizing direct support to farmers over broader climate initiatives.
2025 Congressional Calendar
Tentative 2025 congressional calendar, subject to change.
Reviewed 2025-04-21