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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  August Recess Updates

  August 12, 2026

  August recess has officially begun! The Senate left town on Saturday and will return September 14. The House returns August 31. Short-term funding bill passed: Early on Saturday, the Senate passed HR 6500, in a 90-6 vote. The continuing resolution (CR) extends current funding levels through December 11, averting a government shutdown in September before…

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  Senate Confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

  August 5, 2026

  On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate voted to confirm Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency’s first full-time leader in nearly a year. The 51-44 vote fell along party lines, with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) as the only Democrat to vote in her favor. Dr. Schwartz was a…

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  How Will the Primary Results Affect Washington’s Congressional Delegation?

  August 5, 2026

  Polls closed last night for Washington state’s August 4 primary elections. At the federal level, incumbents are running for reelection in nine of Washington’s ten congressional districts. Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse is retiring after six terms, leaving an open seat in District 4. In Washington state, the top two candidates with the most votes advance…

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