Federal Updates

UW–Madison remains committed to keeping our community informed so all can navigate rights, responsibilities and resources related to law and policy.

On Monday, January 5, a panel of appellate judges unanimously upheld a lower court ruling blocking the National Institutes of Health from implementing a standard 15% facilities and administrative (F&A) rate across all NIH grants for indirect costs. The decision maintains current reimbursement rates, ensuring continued access to essential funding for annual expenses.

An update on UW–Madison’s participation in legal challenges to prevent wrongful funding cuts, grant terminations and delays.

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.

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.

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.

By a 222-209 vote in the House of Representatives, a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through January 30, 2026, has passed Congress. President Trump signed the bill early Thursday morning.

Today marks the 36th day of the federal government shutdown. Most of the university continues to operate normally.  

Due to the government shutdown, FoodShare (often known as SNAP) benefits for November are expected to be delayed. Student Affairs shared resources available for students who depend on SNAP, or need emergency food assistance.

The Association of American Universities and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have joined together in a lawsuit challenging the $100,000 petition fee employers are required to pay for employees working with an H-1B visa.