Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the 91Ï㽶¶ÌÊÓƵ 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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Defense News
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The White House – August 19, 2026
The strategy directs agencies to prioritize 14 critical and emerging technology areas, with OSTP and the National Security Council set to develop more detailed plans. The new National Security Science and Technology Strategy (NSSTS), released on Aug. 17, establishes four pillars for federal science and technology (S&T) efforts: focusing technology competition, building technological resilience, accelerating innovation, and protecting national security S&T.
The Associated Press – August 18, 2026
The Department of Defense has 30 U.S. universities to audit their partnerships with mostly Chinese universities and military training institutions as the Trump administration scrutinizes the country’s growing global influence. The 30 institutions were not identified in the press release.
The White House – August 13, 2026
The United States Navy has experienced a series of shipbuilding setbacks stemming from overly complex designs and iterative design change procedures, which have resulted in cost growth, delays, and cancellations. The Department of War shall restore both capacity and competition to the maritime industrial base as it expands our naval force structure.
Navy – August 11, 2026
The Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (DONRCO) has established the National Security Plug and Play Consortium (NSPPC), designed to integrate advanced technology into operational systems at scale and speed. The NSPPC will focus on sourcing technologies that work immediately with existing systems, providing accelerated procurement for the DON enterprise through easier access to non-traditional partners and off-the-shelf solutions. With a broad scope that provides flexible contracting to all DON domains, it will include prize challenges, Commercial Solutions Offerings, disruptor events, and wargaming challenges.
Federal News
NSF – August 2026
U.S. National Science Foundation notices of funding opportunity provide over $1.5 billion for foundational research to drive breakthroughs across the scientific enterprise. The 12 new opportunities support a mix of long-horizon awards for ambitious, transformative research and rapid short-term grants to quickly test promising ideas to advance NSF's core mission to support foundational research that leads to scientific breakthroughs and opens new frontiers of knowledge.
U.S. Department of Energy – August 7, 2026
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) announced a Notice of Intent for up to $100 million to strengthen America’s critical minerals workforce, supporting President Trump’s agenda to restore U.S. energy dominance, rebuild domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries for the materials that power modern energy, manufacturing, and defense technologies. The nationwide Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies (PROSPECT) initiative will expand educational opportunities and develop the skilled workforce needed to support the domestic production, processing, recovery, and recycling of critical minerals. In the near term, PROSPECT aims to double the number of graduates with degrees related to mining, minerals, and associated supply chain technologies within two years. In the long term, PROSPECT will support the implementation of new curricula, teaching tools, financial-aid programs, and other incentives that promote continued growth in these fields.
U.S. Department of War – August 7, 2026
President Donald Trump's Department of War announced over $80 million in investments in multiple schools of mines and metallurgy, including the Colorado School of Mines, the South Dakota School of Mines, and Johns Hopkins University. Since taking office, President Trump has taken unprecedented action to restore America's military and national security, securing reliable supplies of critical materials and supply chains. The intended investments will be used to build technology innovation hubs, form project-focused partnerships between students and defense industry, develop new processes and prototypes, and certify hundreds of new students with advanced degrees in mining, geology, and metallurgy.
Inside Higher Education – August 19, 2026
The rule, finalized last month, has drawn intense criticism from universities and international educators. Now, a group of eight organizations is arguing that it should be scrapped. The lawsuit comes a month and a half after the highly controversial rule was finalized, altering a policy that had stood for nearly half a century that allowed international students to stay in the U.S. until they completed their program of study. Instead, students will be limited to four years unless they receive an extension. In the final rule, DHS said the cap is intended to prevent students from staying in the U.S. indefinitely, leading to overstays and national security concerns.
Congressional Calendar
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