Why It Matters

Universities currently negotiate indirect cost rates ranging from 30 to 70 percent on federal grants, a significant revenue stream that has faced scrutiny in Washington. The Trump administration previously attempted to impose a flat 15 percent cap on these indirect cost rates, which would substantially reduce institutional revenue. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health slashed calls for funding by 90 percent and pivoted away from agency-directed science, fundamentally altering the research landscape that universities depend on.

By the Numbers

The University of Florida filed a lobbying disclosure report for the second quarter of 2026, reporting $160,000 in lobbying expenditures. The institution operates as an in-house lobbying registrant, deploying its own staff to advocate for its interests on Capitol Hill rather than hiring outside firms.

The report listed two registered lobbyists: Sarah Mathias, an assistant vice president at the institution, and Alex Krigstein, the director of federal government relations. Krigstein brings Capitol Hill experience, having served as a legislative correspondent in the office of former Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY-24) during the 111th Congress from 2009 to 2011.

The Agenda

Rep. Greg Steube, who was a student at the University of Florida, sent a letter to the University of Florida Board expressing concerns about a presidential appointment. Additionally, critics said a foreign faculty hiring freeze could harm research and education at institutions like the University of Florida.

The Bottom Line

The University of Florida's lobbying disclosure reflects the institution's commitment to direct federal advocacy during a period of significant uncertainty in higher education funding and policy. With two in-house lobbyists on staff, the university is positioning itself to navigate federal pressures on research funding, indirect cost structures, and workforce policies that directly affect its operations and mission.

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