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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  "Big, Beautiful Bill" Passes Senate

  July 1, 2025

  After a record-breaking vote-a-rama lasting over 24 hours, the U.S. Senate has passed President Trump’s expansive tax and spending reconciliation package — a major step toward his goal of signing the legislation into law by July 4. The bill encompasses the majority of the President’s legislative agenda. The final vote was 51–50, with Vice President…

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  Byrd Bath Strikes Medicaid Proposals

  June 27, 2025

  In yet another setback for Senate Republicans, the Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that several key Medicaid provisions in the GOP's sweeping budget reconciliation bill violate the Byrd Rule, effectively stripping them from the legislation. The Byrd Rule, a procedural safeguard named after the late Senator Robert Byrd, restricts what can be included in budget reconciliation…

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  GOP Education Plan Hits a Byrd Rule Snag

  June 27, 2025

  Senate Republicans were dealt a major blow in their proposed plans to overhaul higher education this week. Two important provisions contained in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions' reconciliation package have been deemed to violate the Senate's Byrd Rule. The Senate Parliamentarian -- the nonpartisan official tasked with interpreting and issuing rulings on Senate…

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