• Programmatic increase for in Army RDT&E, Line 52, PE 0603119A to continue Wayne State University/Army Corps of Engineers applied research into the identification and recovery of domestic Rare Earth Element Reserves and responsible handling of waste to prevent unintended environmental consequences. Rare Earth Elements are critical to advanced military and consumer technology and electronics. Domestic production of these critical elements has decreased over the past 40 years such that China is now the primary global supplier, producing approximately 90% of the worlds supply of Rare Earth Elements. Identification, characterization, and recovery of domestic Rare Earth Resources is critical to maintaining national security and technological advantages. Identifying, developing, and recovering domestic Rare Earth Element resources supports the US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center-managed work focusing on the development of innovative technologies for military applications and detection of compounds of interest in the environment. Program activities include developing new methods for a range of resource compounds, rapid field sensors, and ultrasensitive laboratory methods. Rare Earth Elements are a critical component in advanced military technology, and therefore securing stable sources of these materials are of utmost importance. FY24 Labor, HHS, Appropriations - Wayne State University School of Public Health. This is funding that would contribute to the establishment of the Wayne State University School of Public Health. We are requesting $3 million in federal funds to contribute to $6.4 million in estimated renovations to establish the program. Wayne State will provide the local match of $3.4 million and will be able to obligate the funds in the upcoming fiscal year. Congressionally Directed Spending - WDET station facilities improvement WDETs priority is to move the radio station from the lower level of a student apartment tower where the station has been beleaguered by leaks from above, and a serious lack of public visibility. The first phases of work would be to create the second floor radio station studios ($8 million), flex office collaboration space on the first floor which will augment the student training and community collaboration aspects of the project ($1.3 million), the community studio and other WSU Press enhancements including the community podcast studio ($4.3 million) and building the outdoor stage portion of the project. ($250, 000). Wayne State University will be investing $7.5 Million into the project. WDET and the Wayne State University Press will be raising the remaining funds through philanthropy and major gift donations from its members.
• Name, Image, Likeness policy and impact to student athletes and University programs. Employment classification implications for student athletes.
• Establishment of a school of public health at Wayne State University. Support for a Bio Bank to safely store, catalog, and distribute samples and medical records for research purposes. Materials are the legacy of the NIH Perinatal Research Branch that was located on Wayne State's campus. Engagement with the White House's recently announced Womens Health Research Initiative in support of Wayne State's Office of Womens Health.
• HR.5933 Deterrent Act. Providing feedback on the legislation, which would increase disclosure and oversight of foreign gifts and contracts at Universities.
• Support for Wayne State's REUSE research program that aims to improve the recycling and reuse of rare earth elements along with removing them from waste and reducing environmental impacts.
• Educating hill staff about recent efforts to expand Wayne States economic development impact in the surrounding communities.
• Educating staff about the new Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

Duration: May 22, 2023 to February 29, 2024

General Issues: Budget/Appropriations, Sports/Athletics, Health Issues, Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace, Education, Natural Resources, Economics/Economic Development, Homeland Security, Science/Technology, Energy/Nuclear

Spending: about $0 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)

It can be tricky to figure out how much an organization spent on a particular lobbying engagement. The law only requires lobbyists to report the amount they were paid for federal lobbying each quarter rounded to the nearest $10,000—and if it's less than $3,000 in a given quarter (or less than $13,000 for organizations with in-house lobbyists), they don't have to disclose it at all. Plus, some organizations include spending that doesn’t belong in the report—for instance, money spent lobbying state governments or other legal work.

Agencies lobbied since 2023: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, White House Office