Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues,

This week saw the introduction of the Senate Finance Committee’s reconciliation tax bill, which includes several proposals affecting higher education. The legislation that emerged offers a mixed bag for private, nonprofit higher education. (See our story below for more details.) While much of the bill language is similar to the House-passed tax bill, there were some significant differences, including language that would worsen the current endowment tax.

While the Senate began the arduous process of working with its parliamentarian to determine which policies meet the procedural requirements association with the Byrd Rule. Once this process is completed, the Senate will move its bill to the floor for consideration. The intelligence we’re hearing continues to point to the full Senate considering the bill next week.

While the schedule remains ambitious, there is still time to make your voice heard on these issues. As I’ve traveled the past few weeks visiting and speaking with members, I have heard the stories and impacts that NAICU members have been conveying to their elected officials. We know these efforts are working as we’ve seen improvements from the House reconciliation bill to the Senate’s version.

NAICU will be sending a letter to Senate leaders expressing its gratitude for improved provisions but also advocating against policies that we find troubling and that will negatively affect students and institutions.

As a reminder, we have a full suite of resources in our Reconciliation Advocacy Center for you to use in your advocacy, including tools specific to the Senate HELP and Finance committee proposals. These tools include bill summaries, talking points, comparisons with the House proposals, and the recording and presentation slides from our webinar last week. 

Soundbites

• Court Strikes Down NIH Cuts. A federal court struck down the Trump Administration’s cuts to National Institutes of Health research grants that were delayed or terminated for failing to effectuate the agency’s new priorities. NAICU had previously signed on to an amicus brief in the case, which is expected to be appealed.

• NAICU Joins Amicus Brief on F & A Costs. NAICU, along with other higher education associations, signed onto an amicus brief in support of a separate lawsuit challenging a 15% cap imposed on institutional reimbursements for facilities and administration costs incurred under research grants with the National Institutions of Health. The case is currently on appeal after a federal district court judge issued a permanent injunction blocking the cap in April.

• Sponsored Webinar. Sustaining Excellence and Building Stability in the Face of Uncertainty, sponsored by Pearl Meyer - The Leaders in Executive Compensation and Leadership Consulting. Thursday, June 26, 2025, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT [REGISTER]

I hope you have a pleasant weekend,

Regards

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU