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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  Committee to Vote on NSF Director Nomination

  November 11, 2026

  The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee has scheduled a vote on the nomination of James O'Neill to head the National Science Foundation (NSF) for November 18.  O'Neill was nominated for the top post at NSF after the resignation of the last director "Panch" Panchanathan. O'Neill has previously served at the Department of…

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  Lame-Duck Session Begins

  November 9, 2026

  Congress has entered its five-week “lame-duck session,” the period between November elections and the beginning of a new Congress in January. Lame-duck legislative priorities: Appropriators are hoping to wrap up the final fiscal year 2027 spending bills. Funding talks are on a tight timeline before the December 11 deadline when stopgap funding is set to…

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  What Comes Next?

  November 5, 2026

  In January, Democrats will control both chambers of Congress, significantly expanding their ability to conduct oversight and shape legislative priorities. Democrats across the country have campaigned to victory on promises of bringing down the cost of living, reversing Medicaid cuts and restoring ACA subsidies, addressing tariffs, and stopping the war in Iran. It’s important to…

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