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Good afternoon,

The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº 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 and/or Emily Lucas .

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Federal News

U.S. Department of Education – July 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Education released proposed regulations that would increase college access for high school students, provide better public data on student outcomes, including to increase oversight over distance education programs, and ensure the student aid programs work in the best interests of students. The regulations propose changes to three distinct areas, including the federal TRIO programs, Distance Education, and Return to Title IV (R2T4). Today’s proposed regulations build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to increase college access and affordability and improve the quality and value of postsecondary education. The proposed regulations will be formally published in the coming days, and the public will be invited to comment on the proposed regulations for a period of 30 days. View an unofficial copy of the proposed regulations .

Science and Technology News

 
Senator Joe Manchin – July 10, 2024
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the bipartisan Department of Energy AI Act to advance American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) by harnessing the existing National Laboratory infrastructure and workforce at the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill authorizes $12 billion over five years for AI work. A portion of the funds would go toward creating at least eight AI R&D centers at DOE national labs. The bill also authorizes the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence for the Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiative at the DOE (see recently announced agency roadmap), establishes an AI risk program, and directs STEM education and workforce development in AI. The bill was submitted as an amendment to the Senate's FY25 NDAA.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources – July 15, 2024
The United States Geological Survey announced it will provide the Missouri Geological Survey more than $200,000 to search for critical minerals within Missouri. In partnership with The Doe Run Company, the effort will study historic mine waste chat piles of Missouri’s Old Lead Belt District. If traces of cobalt or rare earth elements are found, this discovery may indicate where these critical minerals may exist in the district.