HRA Federal Policy Newsletter – April 2026 (click for PDF version)
Executive Summary
Research Advocates: Expect NIH Budget Cuts in 2027: Congress rejected the previously proposed 40% cut to NIH funding for FY2026. However, advocates are now bracing for renewed funding uncertainty as the White House’s FY2027 budget proposal again targets NIH with a smaller but still significant reduction of approximately $5 billion. This sets up another potential clash with Congress ahead of the October 2026 appropriations deadline. Funding cuts are not the only concern. As noted by journalist Peter Sullivan, “There’s also concern about changes to how NIH grants are structured and dispersed,” along with ongoing delays and a decline in new grant activity compared to 2024. These disruptions, combined with proposed budget reductions, raise broader concerns for the biomedical research community. Read more here.
US Survey of NIH-Funded Researchers Reveals Tumultuous Times: A national survey of NIH-funded researchers, reported by STAT news, highlights significant disruption across the U.S. biomedical research ecosystem since the start of the new administration. Findings indicate that funding cuts, delays, and policy changes have already led to institution layoffs, lab closures, and stalled or abandoned research projects. Early career scientists are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on fewer grants and limited institutional support. Beyond immediate project impacts, the findings suggest declining workforce morale and reduced confidence among researchers and staff. Institutions are also expressing concern about the future pipeline of scientists, as well as the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of U.S. biomedical research. Read the full report here.
Policy & Regulatory Updates
CDC Director Nominated: After eight months of ongoing leadership concerns at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the White House nominated Erica Schwartz to serve as director. Dr. Schwartz, who previously served as the deputy surgeon general during the first Trump administration, is considered less polarizing than other Trump nominees, including HHS head Robert F. Kennedy, as Dr. Schwartz has not voiced anti-vaccine sentiments.
While the nomination signals progress and has generated cautious optimism across the biomedical research community, the agency continues to face operational and strategic challenges as it awaits Senate confirmation and a full transition to permanent leadership. These challenges are compounded by broader disruptions, including staff layoffs and program changes, which may weaken research infrastructure, delay funding and guidance, and erode confidence among academic and industry partners who rely on consistent, evidence-based public health leadership. Read more on the nomination for CDC director here.
CDC Funding Delay Raises Concerns: A recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) apportionment decision affecting a $316 million CDC account may disrupt immunization and respiratory disease research. Approximately two-thirds of the funding ($200 million) has been delayed until the final two quarters of FY2026.
This back-loaded approach compresses already tight timelines for obligating funds—raising concerns about delayed grant awards, disrupted research continuity, and misalignment with seasonal disease response. The decision follows broader federal funding uncertainty, including recent actions to rescind or redirect CDC resources, and underscores the need for predictable, timely funding to ensure biomedical research and public health programs can operate effectively. Read more here.
Upcoming HRA Federal Policy Events and Resources
Stay connected through HRA’s upcoming Federal policy focused programs and gatherings. These events are designed to spark collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen our community. Please note that registration for most HRA-hosted events is open exclusively to members.
- Federal Policy Webinar – Continuing the Discussion: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on the Biomedical Workforce: May 11, 2026 at 1 PM ET. This follow-up webinar continues the conversation from the HRA November Members Meeting session, Navigating Shifts: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on the Biomedical Workforce. The session will provide deeper insight into how evolving federal policies are shaping the biomedical workforce landscape. Attendees can expect an interactive discussion with cross-sector leaders on emerging trends, real-time challenges, and actionable strategies to support workforce development. Register here.
- HRA Virtual Resource – Defending Science: A Roadmap for Action. This resource, created in partnership with Protect Democracy, provides practical guidance to help HRA members proactively safeguard scientific integrity, navigate political and funding challenges, and respond effectively to external pressures. Access this resource to equip your organization’s leaders and community with strategies to strengthen resilience, coordinate advocacy, and ensure that science remains driven by evidence rather than political influence. Download the toolkit here.
Other Events of Interest
- April 23, 2026 (2:00 – 3:00 PM ET): [Virtual] Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases – Overview of Home and Community-Based Services and Rare Disease-Related Bills
- May 13, 2026 (Baltimore, MD1:30 – 3:00 PM ET): [Virtual] Center for Nonprofit Advancement Getting Proactive: Intro to Risk and Change Management
Resources & Tools
- [American Society of Hematology] Advocacy toolkit
- [Research!America] Advocacy on LinkedIn 101
- [National Council of Nonprofits] How to Keep Charitable Nonprofits and Houses of Worship Protected from Partisan Politics Webinar Recording and Webinar Slides
- [American Society of Hematology] NIH Funding Factsheet
- [American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology] Best Practices for Engaging Policymakers Webinar Recording
Research Organization Highlight
This April, HRA is highlighting United for Medical Research (UMR)! United for Medical Research (UMR) is a coalition of leading research institutions, patient and health advocates, and private industry partners united in support of strong, sustained funding for the National Institutes of Health.
Through its advocacy, UMR works to save and improve lives, advance innovation, and fuel economic growth. A long-standing and respected voice on Capitol Hill, UMR actively engages with NIH leadership, policymakers, and state and congressional leaders to promote continued investment in medical research.
Explore UMR’s resources, reports, and state-by-state impact of NIH funding: https://www.unitedformedicalresearch.org/
Want to elevate your organization’s impact? Nominate your organization for an HRA Spotlight to be featured on HRA’s social media and federal policy newsletters! Share any federal policy or advocacy related updates, upcoming activities, or events open to the HRA community. Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected].
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Contact: melissa@healthra.org
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