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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  ED Publishes "Living Document" on OBBB Implementation

  May 26, 2026

  The Department of Education (ED) has published a "living document" with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and information on virtual office hours to support HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (P.L.119-21) (OBBB). The first round of FAQs on student loan reforms is posted. The Department considers the FAQs to be a living…

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  House Releases Energy-Water Appropriations Bill

  May 15, 2026

  The House Energy-Water Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY27 spending bill yesterday, and it heads to markup this morning. The draft bill would provide $58.5 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $461 million from FY26. Key features of the bill include: $50.36 billion for the Department of Energy (a $456 million decrease) $8.525 billion for…

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  CJS Bill Clears House Appropriations Committee

  May 14, 2026

  After a markup session during which numerous amendments were considered, the House Appropriations Committee adopted its FY2027 Commerce-Justice-Science funding bill by a vote of 32 - 28. The bill, which funds a number of science agencies, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, and NIST, is available here. The text of the report, which details how the funds are…

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