Federal Updates

In January 2025, new presidential and congressional leadership in the federal government began issuing memos, regulations and executive orders, including some with the potential to impact our work and campus community. Visit our Federal Updates page for updates, information and resources relevant to campus.

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About the Office of Federal Relations

UW–Madison’s Office of Federal Relations advocates on federal policies and issues that affect the university, and serves as a liaison between the university and the federal government. We work to advance UW–Madison’s interests in Washington, D.C., and share policy and funding developments that may impact the research, education and outreach missions of the University. Learn more.

News & Updates

  • Business leaders urge Congress to sustain funding for the National Science Foundation

    Yesterday, over 400 business leaders across the country sent a letter to Congress urging them to "sustain funding for the National Science Foundation as a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness." UW–Madison facilitated the signatures of many Wisconsin industry stakeholders, with the support of Wisconsin Tech Council and gener8tor.

  • Dec. 16, 2025 travel restrictions announcement

    A new Presidential Proclamation was issued yesterday expanding the list of countries with full or partial travel restrictions on their nationals. Information about how these restrictions may affect UW-Madison international students, staff, and faculty can be found on the International Student Services website.

  • Professional degree reclassifications

    UW–Madison is aware of professional degree reclassifications that are part of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee’s  proposed federal student-loan changes to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes could impact federal loan options for students in multiple UW–Madison degree programs. We are awaiting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register will coordinate university comments.

  • Congressional Staff See UW–Madison Research Up Close and the Federal Investments Powering Wisconsin Innovation

    UW–Madison welcomed congressional staff for a three-day visit to campus, November 12 – 14, to see firsthand how national investments fuel discovery, improve lives, and strengthen Wisconsin's economy. With federal research funding facing new uncertainty, the Office of Federal Relations provided an up-close look at how agency-backed projects support the state’s key industries.

  • More news and updates