FEDERAL ADVOCACY UPDATE

Week of April 27

ACTION ALERT: Oppose FY2027 Budget Cuts to NSF

Congress is being urged to reject the administration's FY2027 budget proposal, which calls for the complete elimination of the National Science Foundation's Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) Directorate and a 54% overall cut to NSF funding. These proposed cuts are compounded by the unprecedented firing of the entire National Science Board. This would be a devastating blow to behavioral and social science research. Please take action NOW using this link.

APA Testimony on Behavioral Health Workforce

APA Services submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education this week. The testimony urged continued bipartisan investment in addressing the mental and behavioral health workforce shortage, expanding equitable public education, and advancing scientific research.

NIH Clinical Trial Application Form: Raising Concerns About Bias

APA and its Committee on Human Research submitted formal feedback to the NIH on a proposed Clinical Trial-Specific Application Form. The feedback raised concerns about potential implicit bias in how the form is designed and implemented, particularly that certain instructions and technical design elements could disadvantage behavioral science research relative to biomedical research.

Capitol Hill Advocacy: NSF Director Confirmation

APA joined behavioral and social science partners in meetings with members of the Senate HELP Committee to advocate for an open confirmation hearing for NSF Director nominee Jim O'Neill. Advocates highlighted the critical role of social and behavioral sciences in addressing national challenges and raised serious concerns about the proposed budget cuts and planned elimination of the SBE Directorate. The NSF has been without a permanent Senate-confirmed director since April 2025.

FEDERAL ADVOCACY UPDATE

Week of April 13

Webinar 4/15/26: Talk Therapy and the First Amendment: Understanding the Supreme Court’s Decision in Chiles v. Salazar, 7:30-8:30 PM EST

APA Divisions 31 and 44 invite you to attend this webinar.

Presenter: Rachael Soule, JD

Director of Business and Independent Practice

Office of Professional Legal and Regulatory Affairs

American Psychological Association

This event is free. Please register in advance using the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ArP0QibaR_a9f3mX6A8XLg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join

Administration and Courts Updates:

The White House missed its deadline to petition the Supreme Court to revive its 2025 effort to cap indirect cost funding for the National Institutes of Health at 15 percent. A prior court injunction halted the policy nationwide. Although the administration was given 90 days to file an appeal, that deadline has now passed.

In addition to the court Action, Congress has blocked implementation of the policy through fiscal year 2026 by prohibiting changes to indirect cost reimbursement rates through September 30, 2026. Despite this, the administration has indicated continued interest in pursuing the policy. The President’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 again includes a 15 percent cap. While the proposed budget does not carry the force of law, it signals administrative priorities and potential future actions. The status of this policy remains uncertain.

APA Services continues to monitor developments and will share opportunities for member engagement. Members are encouraged to participate in the current action alert supporting continued NIH funding for fiscal year 2027.

CPA Federal Advocacy Update

Week of March 30

Conversion Therapy Ruling

Federal activity this week included a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision and new federal budget signals that may impact behavioral health funding. In Chiles v. Salazar, the Court directed the Tenth Circuit to reconsider Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors under a stricter First Amendment standard. The decision leaves unresolved whether states can regulate what licensed mental health professionals say in clinical sessions, raising broader concerns about consumer protection and professional oversight. Arthur Evans, PhD APA President stated “We are disappointed that the Court has left a core legal question of the case unresolved: whether states can regulate what licensed mental health professionals say to their patients in a clinical session,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. Read their full statement in their press release.

Please watch CPA communications for an upcoming presentation with One Colorado to hear about what is next following this ruling.

Budget

The Administration released its FY27 budget proposal, which includes reductions to public health and safety net programs, including agencies central to psychology such as SAMHSA and NIH. While Congress ultimately determines funding levels and has historically moderated similar proposals, the budget reflects the Administration’s priorities. APA is actively engaging in appropriations advocacy and encouraging member participation in current funding action alerts

Maternal Mental Health

APA advocacy staff participated in the 2026 Maternal Mental Health Forum, where policymakers and healthcare leaders discussed gaps in perinatal mental health care and the need for stronger integration of behavioral health into the broader healthcare system. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy emphasized the importance of treating mental health as an economic and public health priority.

APA Comments to CMS

APA Services submitted comments to CMS regarding efforts to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in federal healthcare programs. The response highlighted the significant administrative burden already placed on behavioral health providers and cautioned against equating increased utilization of services with fraud, which could lead to harmful policy solutions.

Welcome New CPA Members!

The Colorado Psychological Association would like to recognize and welcome the following new members who joined CPA in October and November!

October –

November –