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OFFICE OF FEDERAL RELATIONS

As one of the world’s leading research universities, the University of Washington is proud to be a long-term partner with the federal government on a host of programs and initiatives to improve society.

Explore the 2026 Federal Agenda

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.

FY2026 Appropriations Tracker

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Stay up to date on federal priorities. Last updated 9/18/25.

View the tracker

Federal Lobbying Disclosure

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We ask UW employees to coordinate advocacy with our office so that we can be clear, consistent, and comply with federal reporting requirements.

Learn more

Congressional Meeting Resources

Make the most of your time with congressional members and staff.

Resources

LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES


  • Government Shutdown Nears Historic Milestone as Congressional Standoff Deepens

    October 28, 2025

    With no resolution in sight, the federal government is barreling toward a grim milestone: one full month of shutdown. If the impasse continues through November 4, it will become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, eclipsing the 35-day closure during President Trump’s first term. The deadlock stems from a bitter standoff between House Republicans…

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  • Federal Government Shuts Down

    October 1, 2025

    Efforts by both parties to pass competing versions of a spending bill collapsed Tuesday night in the Senate, triggering the first federal government shutdown since President Trump’s first term. After months of partisan stalemate, last-ditch negotiations failed, leaving federal agencies officially without funding. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown will cost agencies $400 million…

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  • White House Tells Agencies to Prepare for Mass Firings

    September 25, 2025

    The White House budget office is instructing federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force (RIF) plans for mass firings during a possible government shutdown, specifically targeting employees who work for programs that are not legally required to continue. In a recently released memo, the Office of Management and Budget told agencies to consider RIF notices for all…

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CONTACT US

Office of Federal Relations

444 North Capitol St. NW

Suite 418

Washington, DC 20001

federalrealtions@uw.edu

Sarah Castro

Assistant Vice President

202-641-1420

smcastro@uw.edu

Sang Han

Director

202-641-1420

sanghan1@uw.edu

Declan McKnight Sklut

Federal Policy Associate

202-641-1420

dsklut4@uw.edu