Since moving to Washington DC, the term “inside/outside the Beltway” is stated often. The term mostly arises in the form of a question, and based on the tone it is usually rhetorical. What is going on inside/outside the beltway, usually translates to, “What are they thinking? “ As an up until recently Washington State resident, mixed with the recent outpouring […]
With just six weeks left until subsidized student loan interest rates are set to increase from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent for new loans, lawmakers are scrambling to find a solution. Over the last week, two bills have been released in the Senate, in addition to one piece of legislation in the House. Currently, student […]
The Office of Federal Relations had the pleasure of hosting a very important visitor last week. President Elson S. Floyd was in Washington DC for two full days of meeting to discuss the important role of Washington State University around education, innovative research and economic development throughout the state. During his visit, the President met […]
Before adjourning for the Easter Recess the House concluded their week with a series of votes related to the Budget. By a vote of 318-109, members passed a Continuing Resolution, House Resolution 933, funding the government through September 30, 2013, the end of the fiscal year. The House also passed the FY 2014 budget resolution […]
On March 20, the Senate took a step toward avoiding a government shutdown by passing a six-month Continuing Resolution (“CR”) funding the federal government through the end of the Fiscal Year. The bill ended up passing by a 47-vote majority after an agreement was reached to avoid furlough of federal food inspectors. We now anticipate […]
It was a busy week on Capitol Hill this week as Congress prepares to adjourn for the President’s Day Break. Members will travel home to meet with constituents this weekend. On Tuesday, President Obama gave his first State of the Union address in his second term. Throughout the 59 minute speech the President outlined a […]
The past week has been a whirlwind here in Washington DC with the 2013 inauguration activities. The town was abuzz as hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world descended upon the city, at times bringing traffic to a stop. The Washington State University (WSU) Federal Relations Office had the opportunity to host […]
On Friday, the House and Senate released their 2013 calendars for the 113th Congress. All members of Congress will convene on January 3, 2013. The session will begin with the swearing-in of newly elected members, including three new members from Washington State. In order to make the best use of your time when you come […]
According to Google maps, Pullman, Washington is approximately 2,542 miles away from Washington, D.C. However, don’t assume that just because 13, 421,760 feet stand between our office here in the nation’s capital and Martin Stadium that we are any less excited than the thousands of fans that will be descending upon Pullman on Friday for […]
A big congratulations to Washington State University Alumna Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) on being named the new chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Senator Murray succeeds retiring Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) and will be the top budget writer in the Senate when the 113th Congress convenes in January. We look forward to the opportunity to […]