Located steps from the U.S. Capitol at the Hall of the States, the Office of Federal Relations represents the University of Washington to both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, participating on behalf of UW in a variety of national forums and advocating for UW priorities. The office also serves as a portal for the federal government and national organizations to the UW and as an access point for UW leadership and staff to our nation’s capital. Through regular reports and visits with campus personnel, Federal Relations staff provide timely information about national trends, opportunities and policy developments.

LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES

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  Trump fires Pam Bondi as attorney general

  April 2, 2026

  In an abrupt end to a tumultuous tenure as US Attorney General, President Trump has announced Pam Bondi is out and will be replaced in an acting capacity by her deputy, Todd Blanche. A permanent replacement has yet to be announced, but EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is rumored to be a likely pick. In a…

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  Halfway through the fiscal year, NIH lags on grantmaking schedule

  March 31, 2026

  As the halfway point of the federal fiscal year passes, the NIH has only obligated around 15 percent of the estimated $38 billion it has to distribute in grants and contracts, according to analysis by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The 43-day-long government shutdown in October and November is partially responsible for these delays, as well as…

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  Trump delays naming new CDC Director

  March 26, 2026

  The White House remains on a time crunch to name a permanent director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under federal law, Senate-confirmed positions have a 210-day limit on being led by acting replacements, a deadline which passed last night. The Health Department announced yesterday that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will continue to oversee…

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