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September 8, 2025

An important BrainPAC update

We’ve got your back on Capitol Hill—and we’re in overdrive advocating for you and your patients. Capitol Hill Report is your source for all things neurology advocacy, so keep reading and sharing to stay up to date. Plus, we want to hear from you: Let us know if your practice, research, or patients are affected by recent policy changes.  

Advocacy works!

The AAN has been advocating tirelessly for robust neuroscience research funding—sign-on letters to appropriators, raising awareness about the value of federal support for research, directly lobbying Congress, and more—and thousands of members have joined us in our efforts! We received heartening news last week when the House Appropriations Labor-H Subcommittee advanced its FY 2026 funding bill, which includes a $99 million increase in funding for the NIH. This represents a 0.2% increase over FY 2025 numbers—and a departure from the drastic 40% cut proposed by the administration. Negotiations will continue on FY 2026 funding levels, but we won’t stop advocating for the neuroscience research our world relies on. Thank you for your calls to representatives, emails through our Advocacy Action Center, and more! Your passionate, ongoing advocacy gives us all a seat at the table.

Issue in focus

Every day, members of Congress make decisions that directly impact neurologists, their patients, and the future of research and practice. Through the AAN’s advocacy efforts, we educate lawmakers on priority issues such as access to care, research funding, and support for the neurology workforce. To turn these conversations into action and drive meaningful policy change, we need to cultivate strong, bipartisan relationships with lawmakers. That’s where BrainPAC, neurology’s political action committee, plays a crucial role. 

BrainPAC is a vital tool used to elect and support members of Congress who understand the unique challenges we are facing. With key legislative debates ahead, your support is more important than ever. So far in 2025, BrainPAC has raised nearly $200,000 from over 530 AAN members, with a goal of reaching $300,000 by year’s end. By contributing to BrainPAC, eligible AAN members invest in neurology’s future and help ensure that our advocacy has a seat at the table when decisions are made. Together, we can amplify our message, strengthen relationships with lawmakers, and protect the interests of neurologists and patients nationwide. 

To learn more about how to support neurology’s voice on Capitol Hill, go to

 
Latest advocacy news

How we develop policy positions 
The AAN recently produced our Evidence-based Approach to Health Policy, which explains how we develop our positions on public policy issues. The statement highlights influences on AAN policy development, outcomes of developed AAN policy, and how the AAN uses member priorities to guide the process. 

Weeks remain for telehealth flexibilities  
Without congressional action, key telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, 2025. The AAN expects any extension would be included as part of a government funding extension that would need to be passed by the same date. We will continue to advocate for a permanent extension to telehealth flexibilities past the September 30 date.

What we're reading

• Changes at NIH Give Political Appointees Greater Power To Fund or Block Research (

• Senate proposal could vastly improve veteran brain health, reduce veteran suicide (Op-Ed, )

• Exclusive: Kennedy’s autism data project draws more than 100 research proposals, sources say ()

*Contributions to BrainPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The maximum amount that an individual can contribute to BrainPAC is $5,000 per year. Contributions from foreign nationals in any amount are prohibited by federal law. All contributions to BrainPAC are voluntary. If this solicitation suggests a contribution in a particular amount, it is only a suggestion. You may give more, less, or nothing at all, and the amount given, or your refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage you in any way in your employment. All contributions will be used in connection with federal elections by providing monetary contributions and other support to candidates for federal office. Federal law requires us to use best efforts to collect and report the name, address, occupation, and employer of each individual whose aggregate contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.