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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  Shutdown Officially Ends

  November 13, 2025

  After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has officially ended. President Donald Trump signed a funding bill late Wednesday night, just hours after the House passed it 222–209. The bill restores government operations through January and provides full-year funding for select agencies, including SNAP, which had been disrupted during the shutdown. Despite…

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  The End is in Sight

  November 12, 2025

  The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is poised to end, with the House of Representatives scheduled to reconvene at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday to vote on a funding bill passed by the Senate earlier this week. The Senate measure advanced with the support of all Republican senators and a group of eight Democrats, a…

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  One Small Step...

  November 10, 2025

  Last evening, by a vote of 60-40, the Senate finally agreed proceed on a legislative package that would, among other things, reopen the government. This represents the first step of many that would fund  and reopen the government. After more a dozen failed procedural votes, the Senate was finally able to reach the 60-vote threshold…

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