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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  Dept. of Ed Proposes Stricter Rules on Low-Earning College Programs

  April 22, 2026

  Last week, the Department of Education released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would establish a postsecondary education accountability framework imposing stricter rules related to federal student loans and earning thresholds. Under the proposed rule, if the typical graduate of a particular program does not earn as much as a high school graduate, the…

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  NOAA Budget Request for FY2027 Now Available

  April 22, 2026

  The NOAA budget request for FY2027 is now available here.   As previously reported, the budget calls for significant reductions across the agency.  Like last year's request, this budget includes the proposed elimination of the the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.  

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  Trump nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC Director

  April 17, 2026

  President Trump has named Dr. Erica Schwartz as his latest pick to lead the CDC. If the Senate confirms her, she will be the agency’s fourth leader in just over a year. Dr. Schwartz is a physician and vaccine supporter, the latest signal that the administration is distancing itself from HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s vaccine…

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