Why It Matters

Florida State University (FSU) is fighting to protect federal research funding. The Trump administration’s proposed 15 percent cap on indirect costs threatens to cost FSU tens of millions annually. The university’s lobbying reflects a broader crisis: research universities nationwide face potential cuts to critical infrastructure that enables labs and groundbreaking work.

FSU is leveraging congressional expertise to secure federal appropriations and lead in defense, quantum, and fusion research—areas where Congress is significantly increasing investments. The university also navigates uncertainty over college athletics after Congress failed to pass the SCORE Act.

By the Numbers

FSU spent $105,000 on lobbying in the final quarter of 2025 through in-house lobbyist Joshua S. Duncan. Duncan, who joined FSU in May 2023, brings four years of Capitol Hill experience with Representative María Salazar (R-FL-27) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Since 2003, FSU has spent $4.8 million across 132 lobbying disclosures. In-house efforts account for $3.36 million, while external firms handle specialized issues. Van Scoyoc Associates Inc. has received $680,000 since 2021 for collegiate athletics, and American Defense International Inc. was hired in 2024 for $100,000 in defense appropriations.

The Agenda

FSU’s final quarter 2025 priorities include FY2026 appropriations for health, defense, energy, and aerospace research.

Specific focuses include:

  • Indirect cost reimbursement protection under health appropriations, responding to the Trump administration’s 15 percent cap on NIH overhead costs
  • Defense research opportunities in quantum computing and advanced materials through "Golden Dome Funding Opportunities"
  • Nuclear and fusion energy research, aligning with federal fusion expansion initiatives
  • Critical minerals production, supporting domestic mineral supply chains
  • Collegiate athletics reform, specifically HR 4312, The SCORE Act, granting NCAA regulatory authority over NIL compensation

Broader Context

FSU’s lobbying occurs amid major upheaval in research funding. The Trump administration’s proposed 15 percent cap on indirect costs threatens major universities with over $100 million in annual losses, though federal judges have blocked enforcement.

The SCORE Act collapsed in December 2025 after bipartisan opposition, leaving college sports regulation in limbo. However, FSU pursues opportunities in growth areas: DOD’s cyber budget jumps to $15.1 billion in 2026, and DOE announced $275 million for critical minerals production.

Between The Lines

Congress is reshaping federal research funding, creating opportunities and obstacles for FSU. The indirect cost crisis faces fierce university resistance, but uncertainty remains. College athletics regulation lacks a clear federal path after the SCORE Act’s failure.

FSU’s defense priorities align with congressional momentum. Pentagon cyber funding rises to $15.1 billion, while FY2026 saw modest NIH increases but DOD R&D funding surged 23 percent.

Competitive Landscape

Multiple major universities—Northwestern, Oregon, Stanford, and Yale—filed in the final quarter of 2025 disclosures with shared concerns over NIH indirect cost caps. Senator Baldwin warned UW-Madison faces $65 million losses, while Representative Thompson highlighted UC Davis’s potential $114 million loss.

The Bottom Line

Florida State University spent $105,000 on in-house lobbying in fourth quarter 2025, focusing on federal research funding and collegiate athletics. FSU’s sustained commitment positions it well for defense research growth, though success depends on broader congressional dynamics.

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