Why It Matters
Washington University in St. Louis lobbied on H.R. 6938 regarding issues pertaining to quantum computing, fossil energy research, indirect cost policies, and National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and Department of Energy Office of Science funding. Washington University in St. Louis lobbied on issues about indirect cost policies. These reimbursement rates face pressure: the National Science Foundation implemented a 15% cap on indirect costs that was later stayed by court order, though an appeal remains pending. The Trump administration proposed cuts of 35% to non-defense R&D, and Washington University in St. Louis lobbied on issues pertaining to NSF, NASA, and Department of Energy Office of Science funding in quarter two 2026.
By the Numbers
Washington University reported $280,000 in lobbying expenditures for the second quarter of 2026, filed on July 21. This quarter's spending matches the university's quarter three 2025 outlay but exceeds quarter four 2025 spending of $200,000 and quarter one 2026 spending of $240,000.
The Agenda
Washington University focused its quarter 2 2026 lobbying on H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. The university lobbied specifically on quantum computing, fossil energy research, indirect cost policies, and funding for the NSF, NASA, and the Department of Energy Office of Science. The university also pursued broader advocacy on higher education policies, quantum research, and defense technology hubs. The NSF's X-Labs initiative, a $1.5 billion decade-long program with a funding opportunity released in mid-May 2026, represents one potential avenue for university research investment. The Economic Development Administration's Regional Tech Hubs program has disbursed more than $650 million total as of July 2026, with six regional tech hubs receiving $169 million in a recent funding round.
The university conducted in-house lobbying through Nick Saab, its Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations. Jason M. Van Wey, who served as an in-house lobbyist through quarter three 2025, departed after that quarter.
The Bottom Line
Washington University's quarter two 2026 lobbying reflects sustained institutional concern about federal research funding amid policy uncertainty. The university's shift to in-house lobbying under Saab, who previously represented other research institutions, suggests a decision to maintain direct relationships with Congress rather than rely solely on external representation.
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