Government and Community Relations: Federal Affairs

Federal Affairs coordinates the activities of the university on matters relating to the federal government and Congress. Staff members coordinate development and implementation of the university's federal legislative agenda; work with higher education associations to monitor federal legislation and budget activity; assess potential implications and opportunities; and serve as the liaison between the university and the U.S. Senate and Congress, the Oregon congressional delegation, congressional committees, and federal agencies (working closely with the UO Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies).

Betsy Boyd is the Associate Vice President of Public and Government Affairs and also oversees federal affairs.

Links:

UO Federal Priorities: Policy, Budget, and Appropriations:

Info on federal stimulus/resources for university research community:

Letters to Oregon Congressional delegation:

Items of interest from the American Association of Universities:

Information on the Higher Education Act:

Lobbying Registration and Disclosure:

The University of Oregon is registered under the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act as an organization that employs in-house lobbyists. The UO is required by law to file: (a) quarterly "lobbying activities" reports; and (b) semi-annual "reports of certain contributions." The links below provide detailed information about those reports. Communication on behalf of the University of Oregon with federal officials should be coordinated with the office of Government and Community Relations.

Lobbying Disclosure

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, amended by Congress in 2007, is a federal law requiring disclosure of lobbying efforts, including those of the University of Oregon, directed at Congress and the federal executive branch. The Act does not prohibit such efforts.

The UO must report quarterly the issues lobbied upon, and its lobbying expenses. It also requires reporting of gifts or other expenses involving Congressional officials.

Therefore, the university and all UO employees are subject to rules regarding disclosure of lobbying activities and expenses for activity related to communications with members of Congress and Congressional staff.

Understanding and compliance with the lobbying disclosure, gift, and travel rules is essential; knowing violation of these rules can lead to federal penalties. Any questions should be directed to Federal Affairs Director Betsy Boyd. Please email eaboyd@uoregon.edu or phone (541) 346-0946.