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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  Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

  August 5, 2026

  On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate voted to confirm Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency’s first full-time leader in nearly a year. The 51-44 vote fell along party lines, with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) as the only Democrat to vote in her favor. Dr. Schwartz was a…

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  How Will the Primary Results Affect Washington’s Congressional Delegation?

  August 5, 2026

  Polls closed last night for Washington state’s August 4 primary elections. At the federal level, incumbents are running for reelection in nine of Washington’s ten congressional districts. Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse is retiring after six terms, leaving an open seat in District 4. In Washington state, the top two candidates with the most votes advance…

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  Senate Strikes Bipartisan Stopgap Funding Deal, Delays OMB's Proposed Rule

  August 3, 2026

  On Sunday, Senate appropriators released text of their own version of a stopgap spending deal, a continuing resolution (CR) which would extend current funding levels through December 11, a week later than what House Republicans proposed in their recent stopgap bill which passed last month. Senate leaders are hoping to pass this measure before they…

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