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

• 
  

  HHS Changes Under RFK

  March 28, 2025

  The Health and Human Services Department announced a sweeping plan to cut 10,000 jobs and consolidate control over its sub-agencies on Thursday. FDA drug, medical device, or food reviewers and inspectors will not be among those fired, according to an HHS fact sheet. Instead, the cuts will target employees working on policy, human resources, information technology,…

  Read more

• 
  

  Bhattacharya Confirmed as NIH Director

  March 26, 2025

  On March 25, the Senate voted 53-47, along party lines, to confirm Jayanta Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD to be Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Following the vote, Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued a statement saying “The NIH needs a leader that will restore Americans’ trust…

  Read more

• 
  

  NIH & FDA Director Nominees Advance

  March 14, 2025

  Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump's pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, was advanced by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The Committee voted 12-11 along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against. Similarly, Trump's pick to head the Food and Drug Administration, Marty Makary, was…

  Read more

CONTACT US