Working in the world of government for my entire professional career, I learned to cast aside the "noise" associated with policymaking and not lose focus on what matters--whether it be along my stops in the U.S. Senate, The Texas A&M System, or Texas A&M University.

The recent events in D.C. were different; it was shocking. It has caused those of us who operate within this realm, regardless of how cynical this process makes us at times, to pause and reflect. We take for granted our constitutional form of government, comity regardless of political party, and the process of policy-making notwithstanding the usual messiness.

Please know that our office has not lost our zeal and desire to work within government to secure resources and create an environment to accomplish our educational and research goals. Our cause is a noble one and we look forward to making our case in the days ahead.

-- Michael O'Quinn

As we previously highlighted, last month Congress agreed to, and the President signed into law, another round of COVID-19 funding relief. Overall, $82 billion was set aside of education, of which $22.9 billion was specifically designated for higher education. Texas A&M University will receive approximately $60 million of those funds to be used for both student and institutional support. Further, through the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, Governor Abbot has another $134.3 million at his discretion that can be used for elementary, secondary, and higher education. We anticipate receiving additional information tomorrow on the rollout of these funds. 

With President-Elect Joe Biden set to be inaugurated on January 20th, and given the recent special elections in Georgia that will now result in a Democratic majority in both Chambers, it is highly anticipated that additional COVID relief funding bills will ultimately make their way through Congress in the weeks and months ahead.