
Federal Relations advances the University of Minnesota’s interests at the federal level. We monitor the federal budget and major spending bills—as well as agencies that provide significant funding for U of M research—and nurture relationships with our members in Congress and our colleagues in higher education associations.

Federal Updates
Federal election update
While we wait for the outcome of the presidential race, most congressional races have been finalized. In Minnesota, we have just one change in our delegation, with Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach heading to Washington D.C. to represent the 7th Congressional District. Fischbach is a former state senator, former chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, and former lieutenant governor.
Shutdown impact
As the shutdown begins its fourth week, we want to let you know the impact on the University of Minnesota. Our thanks to colleagues across the University for keeping a close eye on the situation.
Happy New Year
The federal government began FY2019 on October 1 with the passage of 6 out of 12 appropriations bills and a Continuing Resolution until early December for the balance of the federal government's funding.