Federal Updates

While we wait for the outcome of the presidential race, most congressional races have been finalized. In Minnesota, we have just one change in our delegation, with Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach heading to Washington D.C. to represent the 7th Congressional District. Fischbach is a former state senator, former chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, and former lieutenant governor. 

As the shutdown begins its fourth week, we want to let you know the impact on the University of Minnesota. Our thanks to colleagues across the University for keeping a close eye on the situation. 

The federal government began FY2019 on October 1 with the passage of 6 out of 12 appropriations bills and a Continuing Resolution until early December for the balance of the federal government's funding.

It's an election year –– the Minnesota primary is August 14. There's a Supreme Court opening. The Farm Bill is awaiting action. The Higher Education Act is on hold. And the Senate, but not the House, will be back in session in August.

Late last week, Congress completed work on an omnibus appropriations bill to finalize funding for federal FY18 and avoid another government shutdown.

The past week has been particularly busy in our nation's Capitol, with Congress grappling with finishing Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 appropriations, the Trump Administration launching its budget for FY19, and the Senate debating immigration in earnest.

Updates on the Federal Budget, NIH research, Pell grant funding, and the status of the Trump administration's travel ban executive order.