Federal Friday
Note: There will not be a new Federal Friday Newsletter on Friday, July 3, 2026. Regular publication will resume during the week of July 6, 2026.
- White House: Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation
- White House: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ushers in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Approves Vermont’s Returning Education to the States Waiver
House Committee on Science Space and Technology Hearing
The Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science Space and Technology held a hearing titled, “Safeguarding Federal Research Funds: The False Claims Act’s Role in Combating Grant Fraud” on June 24.
Witnesses included:
- Robert Steinau, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Inspector General, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of the Inspector General
- Jennifer Springmann, Special Agent in Charge, National Science Foundation Office of the Inspector General
- Brenna Jenny, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Commercial Litigation Branch, Department of Justice
To review the hearing, you can watch the archived coverage on the committee website and via the hearing charter.
Political Activity Guidance Reminder
As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.
Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.
In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.
For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.
Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.