HRA Federal Policy Newsletter – October 2025
Executive Summary
- Federal Government Shutdown: The federal government continues to be shutdown as Congress works to reach agreement on full-year appropriations. Research institutions nationwide are monitoring the situation closely, as resulting funding lapses are likely to immediately impact federal research operations, including delays in grant processing, halted clinical trials, and furloughs of federal research staff. Many organizations have activated contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions. Read more about how scientists are preparing here.
- Grant Funding in Higher Education: In a recent ruling, a federal judge ordered the over $500 million in UCLA’s federal grant funding that had been frozen by the White House be restored as litigation continues. Read more about the federal court ruling here. This is the latest in a series of legal challenges by institutions amid funding threats. In late September, the current administration also asked nine universities to sign a “compact” agreeing to overhaul campus speech policies, revamp admissions procedures, and suppress speaking out against “conservative ideals” in their communities in exchange for preference in federal grant funding.
- The White House and Acetaminophen: National news outlets report that President Trump and senior FDA officials plan to pursue research into potential links between common medications and autism, including efforts to expand treatment approaches involving vitamin B. With strong federal backing, the FDA has initiated the process to revise labeling for acetaminophen, advising pregnant women to avoid use due to possible associations with autism. Many medical groups across the nation reject these claims and note that their guidance to pregnant women will not be influenced by the administration’s statements. Read more here.
Policy & Regulatory Updates
On September 19, the Trump administration announced a new plan to increase the filing fee for H-1B visas, a visa category widely used by international postdoctoral researchers, university faculty, and STEM professionals in private industry. Beginning September 21, each application will carry a charge of $100,000. Since H-1B petitions have historically cost only a few thousand dollars, this change represents as much as a 26-fold increase in expense for institutions and employers. Some suspect the new fee will likely decrease the possibility of recruiting scientists from abroad and damage future research, according to Springer Nature. Others express concern for US economic growth, due to the H-1B policy change, as noted by the BBC. For a deeper dive into the potential impacts on H-1B visa students and employees, see this article.
Upcoming HRA Federal Policy Events
Stay connected through HRA’s upcoming Federal policy focused programs and gatherings. These events are designed to spark collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen our community. Please note registration for most HRA-hosted events is open exclusively to members.
- [Virtual] October 29, 1:30-2:30 pm: How Researchers, Funders, and Nonprofits are Joining Forces in an Unprecedented Threat Landscape: Finding a Path Forward
- [In-person and virtual] Wednesday, November 19 – Thursday, November 20: Fall 2025 HRA Members Meeting at American Society of Clinical Oncology in Alexandria, VA. Sessions related to Federal policy include:
- Navigating Shifts: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on the Biomedical Workforce, November 19, 1-2 pm
- Why Are We Here and What Impact Can We Have? A Reflection of and Vision for Biomedical Research Funding and Philanthropic and Non-Profit Involvement, November 20, 9-10 am
- What’s the Story? Making Science Funding Meaningful to the Public, November 20, 10:30-11:20 am
- Professional Development Workshop: Storytelling for Impact, November 30, 12:30-2 pm
Other Events of Interest
- October 23: 2025 Brown Lecture: When Diversity and Equity Are Imperiled and Democracy Is Fragile
- November 5: Rally for the Public’s Health
Resources & Tools
- How Government Funding Disruptions Affected Nonprofits in Early 2025
- General FAQs on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits
- A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated
- Federal Budget Process Explained
- Federal Budget Guide
Research Organization Highlight
This October, we’re spotlighting Protect Democracy. Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 2017 to combat threats to American democracy and defend the rule of law. The organization works at the intersection of legal advocacy, public education, and strategic partnerships to protect democratic institutions that enable scientific research and evidence-based policymaking to thrive.
In 2025, Protect Democracy has been actively supporting the research community through legal advocacy and strategic guidance as institutions navigate unprecedented challenges to academic freedom, federal funding stability, and scientific integrity. Their work includes defending against political interference in grant funding, supporting litigation to protect research institutions, and providing strategic counsel to researchers, funders, and nonprofits facing threats to their missions.
To learn more about Protect Democracy’s work or access their resources, click the links below:
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Contact: [email protected]
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