The Universities of Wisconsin’s Federal Updates Workgroup continues to monitor ongoing litigation, congressional budget activities and proposed changes to federal rules. The UW Federal Updates page is updated weekly and provides a summary of ongoing issues. This resource should be your first stop when seeking information about federal issues.
Official comments on proposed federal rulemaking
All proposed changes to federal rules must be reported in the Federal Register. Individuals and organizations can comment on items in the Federal Register to provide input on proposed federal rules, policies or information collections issued by U.S. government agencies.
When an agency publishes a notice or proposed rule, it opens a public comment period during which feedback becomes part of the official administrative record. Agencies are required to review and consider relevant, substantive comments before finalizing their actions. Faculty and staff at all UW campuses should be mindful that any engagement with the Federal Register must comply with applicable political activity restrictions and viewpoint neutrality policies, including distinctions between personal expression and actions taken in an official university capacity.
Please reach out to Keri Duce, UWM’s representative on the UW Federal Updates Workgroup, if you are considering submitting comments to the Federal Register on a proposed rule change in your capacity as a university employee. Given the variety of ongoing legal and policy changes happening in Washington, D.C., any official comment must be reviewed by the UW Federal Relations and General Counsel offices to receive appropriate guidance.
Offering comments as a private citizen
As always, university employees retain the right to formally comment on public issues as private citizens. If you choose to provide feedback to the Federal Register or your elected representatives as a private citizen, you can do so as long as you do not represent that you are speaking on behalf of UWM. We recommend that you note your comments are not being made on behalf of UWM, but instead in your personal capacity. You may not use university resources (e.g., computers, WiFi, letterhead, e-mails, work time, etc.) in the process. For additional information, see:
If you have questions about how federal issues may impact your area that are not addressed by the above resources, please reach out to Keri Duce at klduce@uwm.edu.