Advocacy Network Newsletter

Spotlight

SfN’s Continued Response to Federal Administration Actions 

Check out the latest from SfN and coalition partners, including a new sign-on letter from Research America, as organizations continue to respond to federal administration policies that harm biomedical research. 

SfN News

Highlights From SfN’s19th Annual Capitol Hill Day 

SfN’s virtual Capitol Hill Day, included 49 NeuroAdvocates who participated in 57 meetings with congressional offices from 29 states. Participants advocated for assistance in mitigating recent destabilizing activities affecting the research enterprise, robust neuroscience funding for FY26, and support for ethical and responsible use of animals in research. To get involved, check out SfN’s Advocacy Best Practices.

Mayor Bowser Recognizes Brain Awareness Week 2025 

During this year’s [Brain Awareness Week] (BAW), Mayor Murial Bowser declared BAW in Washington, D.C. Thank you Mayor Bowser for highlighting the vital work of neuroscience researchers.  

Federal News

Congress Passes FY25 Continuing Resolution

The Senate voted 54–46 to pass a continuing resolution that extends through the remainder of FY25. The bill extends statutory language preventing the administration from imposing a 15% cap on facilities and administration (F&A) cost reimbursement. It’s anticipated that Congress will ultimately retain the authority to make changes to the F&A cost reimbursement formula.

Senate Holds NIH Director Confirmation Hearing

The recent hearing held by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on the nomination of Jay Bhattacharya, PhD, to serve as NIH Director. The HELP Committee voted to advance his nomination 12–11 along party lines for a full Senate vote. The date for the Senate vote has yet to be confirmed. 

Urge Congress to Protect the Use of Animals in Research

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis introduced the Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics (SPARE) Act (H.R.1802) to ban research using animal models in federally funded research institutions, requiring congressional approval for any exceptions. Under the proposed bill, the federal research funds would be redirected to alternative methods. Urge Congress to support the continued responsible and ethical use of animals in research. 

• 13th Annual Rally for Medical Research Hil Day: Attend the rally Thursday, September 18, to advocate for sustained funding increases for NIH. 
• United for Medical Research (UMR): Read UMR’s 2025 annual economic report detailing the national- and state-level impact of NIH research funding in FY24.

• Introduce yourself to your members of Congress via the Advocacy Action Center.