The AAMC on Dec. 16 sent a year-end letter (PDF) to congressional leadership emphasizing key pending advocacy priorities for the academic medicine community, including robust fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations for key science and health programs, investments in the health care workforce, and policies to ensure the financial sustainability of academic health systems.
In the letter, the AAMC urged Congress to complete the final FY 2026 spending bills before the current continuing resolution expires at the end of January [refer to Washington Highlights, Nov. 14]. The letter urged strong support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including strengthening support for facilities and administrative expenses through the NIH and other research agencies; robust investment in each of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health professions programs; and full funding for other key agencies and priorities.
In addition, the letter calls upon Congress to strengthen the health care workforce by expanding Medicare support for graduate medical education (GME), reauthorizing the HRSA Title VII and VIII programs, and enacting long-term authorizations and continued funding for the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center GME program, and the Community Health Centers program.
Finally, the letter further advocated for Congress to address expiring health provisions before Jan. 30, including scheduled cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital program and key telehealth flexibilities. The letter highlights the financial challenges created by the impending expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits on Dec. 31, 2025, and calls upon Congress to address this issue [refer to related story].