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University of Michigan

Federal Relations

Michael A. Waring directs the University of Michigan's Washington, D.C. office. Located three blocks south of the Capitol, it serves as a liaison between the University and the federal government, public policy makers and national organizations to provide national leadership in matters affecting higher education and research.

The Washington, D.C. Staff directly serves University faculty, staff and students, as well as members of Congress and federal government offices and agencies.

Activities include monitoring legislation of interest to universities; facilitating congressional or federal appointments; issuing briefings for faculty and administrators; providing office space for University people on business in Washington; and serving as a clearinghouse for information on government activities, places, people and employment opportunities.

Congressional inquiries are handled concerning the University's academic and research activities and its views on pending legislation.

Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) Rev.08/14/2008

Michigan Congressional Delegation

University of Michigan Alumni Serving in Congress

Check out our Current News and Events:

The Federal Report

      November 2009

Reporting about several issues being tracked by the U-M Federal Relations team:

CONGRESS APPROVES APPROPRIATIONS BILLS WHILE IT DEBATES HEALTH CARE REFORM

Even as the debate in both the House and Senate intensifies over health care reform legislation, the appropriations process for FY '10 has moved forward.

Congress approved and sent to the President the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which includes increases in funding over FY '09 for basic research at the Department of Energy. Specifically, the bill contains:

• $4.9 billion for the Office of Science
• funding for three of the Administration's proposed eight Energy Innovation Hubs ($22 million each)
• no money for the proposed RE-ENERGYSE STEM education program

The House, meanwhile, has approved the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill, which also includes increases in research funding for the National Science Foundation, a key source of federal dollars for research at U-M. The Senate began consideration of its version of the bill, but was sidetracked by a fight over Census takers asking respondents about their immigration status. Action on the measure there is expected to resume soon.

It is likely, however, that several of the 12 appropriations bill will be lumped together and passed as a group between now and when Congress plans to adjourn for the year in mid-December. That includes the Labor-HHS-Education bill, which contains increased funding for the National Institutes of Health as well as student aid funding.

NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE ON STUDENT AID CHANGES

The Senate is working on its version of the "Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act" which would require all colleges and universities participating in the Stafford Loan Program to use the Direct Loan Program that is administered by the Department of Education. This change would save the federal government more than $80 billion over ten years. The savings would be reinvested in education programs with the biggest change providing additional funding for the Pell Grants. The bill will also include language to simplify the FAFSA, redesign and expand the Perkins Loan Program, and keep subsidized students loan interest rates from increasing in 2012. The House passed its version of the bill in September.

INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH CELEBRATES ITS BIRTHDAY IN D.C.

Marking its 60th anniversary, the Institute for Social Research (ISR) came to Washington in mid-September to showcase its work and to meet with key agencies and congressional offices.

ISR Director James Jackson hosted a Capitol Hill breakfast, which featured keynote remarks from Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn). Dingell lauded the institute and pointed to its many important contributions to society. As part of the breakfast, ISR researchers discussed the latest findings from two of its more prominent research efforts - the Survey of Consumer Confidence and the Health and Retirement Study.

DEBATE CONTINUES OVER PATENT REFORM LEGISLATION

Activity continues in the Senate Judiciary Committee on legislation that would make major changes to the American patent system - changes which could have a major effect on how universities transfer technology to the private sector.

Negotiations between Senate staff of both parties and the Patent and Trademark Office continue. While many of the concerns of universities have been resolved, the focus remains on resolving how patents can be challenged once they are issued. Six university associations working as a coalition are weighing in to shape these final points of contention.

University of Michigan Washington Office Mike Waring, Executive Director of Federal Relations and Director, DC Office. Cindy Bank, Assistant Director. Sarah Walter, Director of Federal Relations for Research. Phil Rudd, Office Manager. 202-554-0578 (phone) 202-554-0582 (fax) 499 S. Capitol Street, SW, #501 Washington, DC 20003