The University of Minnesota continues to actively engage with members of Congress from both parties to advance the University's research priorities. We are working to ensure federal policymakers recognize the value of the University of Minnesota’s research enterprise and its contributions to national security, economic competitiveness, and Minnesota's communities. Our advocacy remains focused on strengthening federal support for research and innovation that drives discovery and delivers impact locally and nationally.
In partnership with Government & Community Relations, the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) is also beginning preparations for the FY27 federal appropriations process, with additional information to be shared in the near future.
Additional Resources
The University of Minnesota receives a regular congressional update prepared by Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies in DC with federal policy updates and funding opportunities. If you have questions or are looking for additional federal policy updates or funding opportunities, please contact Brian Paro ([email protected]), the University’s director of Federal Relations, or JoonHyung Cho ([email protected]), AVP for external affairs and communications.
July 20, 2026 Update
Uniform Guidance
On July 13, the University submitted its formal response to OMB’s proposed rule, which received a staggering 496,000 comments. Respondents went well beyond higher education to include comments from hospitals, state and local governments, transportation industry, and the business community. We briefed most of our Congressional delegation in-person this past week on our concerns with the rule, and we continue to work with AAU to engage non-University sectors to also weigh in.
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to discuss science
OSTP Director Michael Kratsios will appear Wednesday in front of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to discuss research and technology priorities across the federal enterprise.
Agricultural Roundtable
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) convened a group of agriculture leaders at University of Minnesota Crookston on July 8 to hear thoughts and feedback on the current state of several industry issues. Greg Cuomo, interim executive director of CFANS Research and Outreach Centers, and Nate Hulinsky with University Extension, represented the University and provided brief comments on our existing partnerships and future initiatives.
Duration of Status
We are monitoring the announcement of the new Duration of Status rule yesterday, in coordination with the Provost/ISSS, Communications, and a number of other units. We have previously shared the impacts with our Congressional delegation and will continue to update them. The rule is scheduled to go into effect September 15, impacting F and J visa holders.
Contentious Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hearing
CDC Director nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz faced tough questions in her confirmation hearing, including from Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA), especially over her commitment to provide independent advice and counsel to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy free of political considerations. A committee vote on her nomination is scheduled for July 23, but a timeline for full Senate confirmation is uncertain at this time.
May 29, 2026: Proposed OMB Rulemaking and Potential Impacts
On May 29, 2026 the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) released a comprehensive proposed rule that may have implications for the University research community. The proposal is currently open for public comment, and the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) is leading a cross-functional group to review and prepare an institutional response. The Association of American Universities (AAU), Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), and many other associations are also preparing responses.
We have compiled a list of FAQs that we will continue to update as more information becomes available.
April 24, 2026 Update
Read the complete April 24, 2026 Update:
- DOE Proposed Accountability Rule
- DOE FAFSA Statement
- Hearing Reports:
- House Energy and Commerce Committee on FY27 Department of Energy Budget
- House Ways and Means Committee with HHS Secretary RFK Jr.
- House Appropriations Committee on FY27 Department of Agriculture Budget
- House Appropriations Committee on FY27 Department of HHS Budget
- House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Domestic Robot Research
- House Energy and Commerce Committee on FY27 Department of HHS Budget
- House Appropriations Committee on FY27 Department of Commerce
- Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on FY27 Department of Energy Budget
- Senate Finance Committee on FY27 Department of HHS Budget
- Senate HELP Committee on FY27 Department of HHS Budget
- Funding Opportunities:
- HHS Grant: Title X Family Planning Services Grants
- HHS Grant: Childcare Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) 2026
- USDA Grant: Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
- USDA Grant: Specialty Crop Research Initiative
November 17, 2025 Update
Read the complete November 17, 2025 Update:
- Funding Opportunity: Department of Education
- Policy Update: Senate Passes FY2026 NDAA
- Final Rule: Department of Education on PSLF
- Hearing Report:
- Senate HELP Committee on Reforming Financial Transparency in Higher Education
- Senate HELP Committee on The Future of Biotech
- Senate Judiciary Committee on Competition Issues in the Seed and Fertilizer Industries
- Senate Judiciary Committee on The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act
October 30, 2025: New leader for ARPA-H
On October 30, 2025, Alicia Jackson was sworn in as director of Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Currently the CEO and founder of a virtual medical care company, she was under consideration to lead the agency under President Biden, and previously worked at DARPA in the Department of Defense, and a key leader in their Biotechnology Office.
The agency, created by former President Joe Biden under the National Institutes of Health, partners with the private sector to address complex health problems, such as restoring function to damaged brains and making indoor air safer to breathe. Jackson was initially considered to lead the agency under Biden, but Renee Wegrzyn was appointed to the position.
Jackson is currently the founder and chief executive of Evernow, a health care company that provides virtual medical care to people experiencing menopause and perimenopause. She also cofounded Drawbridge Health, an at-home, blood-sampling device company.
During the Obama administration, she spent five years at the Defense Department’s innovation arm, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Jackson worked as a program manager and became the founding deputy director of the Biotechnology Office.
September 4, 2025 Update
Read the complete September 4, 2025 Update.
- September Policy Brief
- Funding Opportunities
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Departments of Energy and Interior
- National Science Foundation
- Policy Update: Executive Order on Federal Grants
- House Committee Advances Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education Funding