July 2, 2025
Dear UC colleagues,
As part of our ongoing effort to encourage federal support for U.S. research and innovation, last week we launched the initial phase of UC’s new “Speak Up for Science” initiative. This included a new UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) campaign and a UC Newsroom article that clearly explains how cuts to federal science spending will negatively affect every American. Over the next several weeks, you will see additional content roll out that’s focused on highlighting how research funding reductions will hurt job and economic growth and slow progress on critical disease cures and treatments, agricultural solutions, and cutting-edge technologies. Stay tuned for more!
Meanwhile, UC’s Federal Governmental Relations team has been tracking and actively engaging on potential impacts to the University throughout the federal budget reconciliation process. On July 1, the Senate passed its reconciliation bill, with both California Senators voting against it. The bill is now back with the House and UC has already weighed in, urging the California House delegation to reject the legislation. Overall, the bill would cause significant harm to student financial aid, Medicaid, and basic needs programs that our communities depend on.
We have also been following the news that Harvard University was found to have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, as part of an investigation into antisemitism by the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In its June 30 letter to Harvard, the federal task force said a failure to “institute adequate changes immediately will result in the loss of all federal financial resources.” We will continue to follow this developing story.
Finally, you may have noticed that last month, I took over the @UC_Newsroom social account. I’m posting timely updates about UC, responding to relevant news, and sharing ways to support the University. It's never been more important to raise awareness about the positive impacts UC has on our state, country, and world. You can find me on @UC_Newsroom and follow along.
Best,
Meredith Vivian Turner
Senior Vice President
External Relations & Communications
UC Office of the President
University Response & Communications
Reconciliation Letter: This week, UC sent a letter to the California House delegation urging members to vote no on the Senate budget reconciliation bill, which passed the Senate on July 1.
Speak Up for Science
UCAN campaign: The UC Advocacy Network launched a campaign asking advocates to speak up for science by emailing their federal lawmakers and asking them to reinvest in federal research agencies.
UC Newsroom article: In a recently published UC Newsroom article, we look at the decline in federal support for scientific research and development and what that worrisome trend could mean for our nation’s future.
New Resources
Senate Budget Reconciliation Summary: This document summarizes key changes included in the Senate-passed budget reconciliation legislation.
Media Highlights
CNN: ‘MAHA Report’ calls for fighting chronic disease, but Trump and Kennedy have yanked funding
UPI: Proposed federal budget would limit access to student loans
San Jose Mercury News: Congress' proposed cuts to Pell threaten thousands of California students' aid
For ongoing updates and resources, please visit the UC Federal Updates website.