APA Federal Policy Update

Week of January 12, 2026

Administration Updates

Last week, the administration abruptly cut nearly $2 billion in SAMHSA grants supporting mental health and substance use services, including APA priority programs such as the Minority Fellowship Program. Following strong bipartisan pressure from Congress and coordinated advocacy by APA Services and the broader mental health community, the administration reversed the decision within 24 hours and reinstated the funding. While the reversal is welcome, the episode highlights continued uncertainty and instability in funding for programs serving vulnerable populations and reinforces the need for sustained advocacy.

Hill and Budget Updates

Congressional appropriators are working toward a bipartisan House/Senate agreement on the remaining four FY2026 spending bills, including Labor/HHS/Education, which funds many programs critical to psychology. Separately, the Senate passed several funding measures already approved by the House that protect funding for departments such as Energy, Commerce, Interior, Justice, and federal science initiatives. These measures preserve support for indirect research costs, which are essential for maintaining the nation’s research infrastructure and have been a key focus of APA Services advocacy. With a potential government shutdown looming on January 30, APA Services is encouraging continued outreach to lawmakers and will be circulating an action alert on this issue early next week.

APA Policy Updates

APA submitted formal comments to the National Science Foundation in response to its draft FY2026–2030 Strategic Plan, urging continued support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences; integration of psychological science into technology and innovation initiatives; protection of scientific integrity; and stable research funding in light of recent grant disruptions and proposed cuts. In addition, the DEA finalized a fourth extension of teleprescribing flexibilities through December 31, 2026, allowing practitioners to continue prescribing controlled substances via telehealth without an initial in-person medical evaluation. APA Services continues to work with the administration toward a long-term solution that balances safeguards against diversion with maintaining access to mental and behavioral health services.