CPA Federal Advocacy Update

Week of March 23

Federal Budget & Advocacy

• Congress is beginning the FY2027 appropriations process, with key funding decisions (including Labor/HHS) expected in the coming months.

• APA is actively submitting funding requests and engaging Congressional offices.

• Members are encouraged to support advocacy efforts through the current APA action alert focused on research funding. You can engage here.

Research & Regulatory Environment

• Federal policy is shifting away from animal research requirements toward New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including AI modeling and organ-on-a-chip technologies.

• NIH and EPA changes signal a long-term transition in research standards that may impact funding and infrastructure. The EPA recently recommitted to a firm deadline of 2035 to completely eliminate mammalian testing for pesticides and chemicals

Practice & Workforce (Key Issue)

• APA submitted comments opposing proposed CMS changes to ACA marketplace plans that could: weaken behavioral health coverage protections, allow high-deductible and non-network plans and reduce network adequacy standards.

• APA is advocating to preserve behavioral health as essential health benefits and maintain access standards.

Health Equity Advocacy

• APA participated in Capitol Hill meetings supporting Native American health funding, workforce investment, and vaccine access, in collaboration with pediatric and Indigenous health partners.