AcademyHealth is closely monitoring developments around the potential HHS reorganization recently reported by POLITICO, especially as it could impact critical agencies like AHRQ. Transparency and strategic planning are crucial to ensure the continued success of health research. In today’s Situation Report, we highlight concerns raised in a recent letter from congressional leaders to HHS Secretary Kennedy. The letter underscores the need for collaboration with Congress and stakeholders before any drastic changes are made that could disrupt vital research.
In today’s issue:
- Congressional Call to Preserve AHRQ Amid Reorganization Plans
- Take Action: Demand Any HHS Reforms are Transparent and Strategic
- Senate Passes Funding Patch, Averting Government Shutdown and Deepening Democratic Rift
Congressional Call to Preserve AHRQ Amid Reorganization Plans
In a recent letter addressed to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Congressional members Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Donald S. Beyer Jr., and Representative Jamie Raskin have voiced significant concerns regarding proposed plans to reorganize health research and service agencies, which may include the elimination of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The letter emphasizes the indispensable role AHRQ plays as the sole federal agency mandated to conduct health services research, crucial for enhancing health care quality, efficiency, and accessibility in America.
Highlighting the bipartisan support for AHRQ, the letter references the advocacy of 194 leading organizations, including researchers, healthcare practitioners, and think tanks, underscoring the agency’s critical contribution to improving health outcomes across the nation. The Congressional members remind Secretary Kennedy of his commitment to prioritize chronic disease reduction and urge him to collaborate with Congress and stakeholders to preserve the agency’s vital work, which saves lives and reduces health care costs.
Take Action: Demand Any HHS Reforms are Transparent and Strategic
Now is the time to make your voice heard in shaping the future of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Urge your congressional representatives to ensure that any proposed reforms to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including those affecting AHRQ, are developed in partnership with Congress and stakeholders. Your input is critical in safeguarding collaborative decision-making processes that will preserve the integrity and effectiveness of vital health research.
To assist you in taking action, AcademyHealth offers a "Stand with AHRQ Toolkit." Bookmark this resource to stay informed, as AcademyHealth will update it with new calls to action as the situation evolves. This toolkit provides:
- Instructions for Contacting Congress
- Messaging Guidance
- Sample Social Media Posts
- Social Media Images
- Other Resources
Access the toolkit and start advocating today. Your involvement is vital to promote evidence-based care and ensure fully funded health services research, paving the way for a more effective and efficient health care system.
Senate Passes Funding Patch, Averting Government Shutdown and Deepening Democratic Rift
In a significant move, the Senate approved a seven-month funding patch, avoiding a government shutdown and marking a victory for President Trump and Republican leaders. The vote, largely along party lines, ended 54-46, with Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and independent Sen. Angus King joining Republicans in support, while Republican Sen. Rand Paul opposed.
The bill, now heading to President Trump for approval, continues government operations for the fiscal year, increasing defense funding by $6 billion and cutting non-defense spending by $13 billion. This reduction occurs against the backdrop of previous funding challenges that we have detailed in past issues including NIH indirect rate cap and workforce reductions.
Democrats opposed these cuts and the lack of restrictions on Trump and Elon Musk's authority to dismantle federal functions.
Despite calls from Democratic supporters for a shorter, four-week measure to maintain current funding and allow time for bipartisan negotiation, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decided against risking a shutdown which could lead to further cuts. This decision created a significant rift within the Democratic Party and among its leadership, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries withholding public support for Schumer. Ultimately, the measure's passage highlighted the internal conflict within the Democratic ranks.
AcademyHealth remains committed to advocating for adequate and sustainable funding of health services research.
Previous Updates
This is the latest in a series of Situation Report updates from AcademyHealth. You can find prior issues here.
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