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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 2/6/26.

View appropriations tracker here

Federal Lobbying Disclosure

President Jones and Senator Murray stand with four students and staff in front of eSciences studio.

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 about guidelines

Congressional Meeting Resources

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

Tips for successful meetings

LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES


  • Jay Bhattacharya named acting CDC director

    February 18, 2026

    Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the head of the NIH, is set to become acting director of the CDC, according to administration officials. He will continue to run the NIH, serving both positions until President Trump appoints a permanent CDC director that gets confirmed by the Senate. Bhattacharya will replace Jim O’Neill, who was removed last week…

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  • Senate fails to advance DHS funding

    February 13, 2026

    A failed Senate vote Thursday has set the stage for shutting down the Department of Homeland Security beginning at midnight tonight. Republicans tried to advance the same bill that the House approved last month, which would fund DHS through September. As expected, the proposal, which did not add any new curbs on immigration enforcement that…

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  • Energy Department Launches Genesis Mission Consortium

    February 10, 2026

    Yesterday, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the Genesis Mission Consortium, a historic public-private partnership advancing the Department’s Genesis Mission to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating scientific discovery. Building on President Trump’s Executive Orders Launching The Genesis Mission and Removing Barriers to American Leadership In Artificial Intelligence, the consortium brings together technical…

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CONTACT US

Office of Federal Relations

444 North Capitol St. NW

Suite 418

Washington, DC 20001

federalrelations@uw.edu

Sarah Castro

Assistant Vice President

202-624-1420

smcastro@uw.edu

Sang Han

Director

202-624-1420

sanghan1@uw.edu

Emily Wills

Federal Policy Associate

202-624-1420

emwills@uw.edu