As ASPPH continues to advocate on behalf of the nation’s public health, we are pleased to report some good news for the academic institutions we represent and higher education in general. Last week, Judge Angel Kelley issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case ASPPH joined with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), blocking the implementation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement on Indirect Cost (IDC) rates. 

Court Sides with Academic Institutions:

• In granting the injunction, the court rejected NIH’s jurisdictional arguments and found that the plaintiffs demonstrated a strong likelihood of success on the merits of the case. The ruling also affirmed that the harms presented—ranging from disruptions to ongoing research and patient health to impacts on facilities and human capital—were irreparable. Importantly, the court referenced the nationwide scope of association plaintiffs as a basis for granting broad relief.

What This Means Moving Forward:

• This decision means that NIH cannot enforce the IDC rate changes at this time. While this is a significant victory, our work must continue. The NIH is likely to appeal this ruling, and ASPPH will provide further analysis as more details emerge.

Last Saturday, House Republicans unveiled a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend funding for the government until September 30, 2025 that boosts defense and deportations while slashing non-defense programs. With a March 14, 2025 deadline to act, GOP leaders cannot afford a single defection ahead of Friday’s shutdown deadline, as Democrats have already vowed to oppose the measure. If the House passes the bill, Senate Democrats will decide whether to reject it and risk a shutdown or accept a measure they strongly oppose.

Public Health Programs on the Chopping Block:

• The bill eliminates $890 million in health care facility grants, including funding secured by both Republican and Democratic senators. The bill would also reduce funding for "mental health and substance abuse treatment, workforce training programs, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) research." It also strips $293 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster mitigation funds.

Next Steps:

• Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and President Trump are pushing hardliners to back the plan, arguing they need time to implement deeper cuts.
• The House Rules Committee plans to consider the measure today at 4:00 PM, setting up the House to bring the bill to the floor as early as Tuesday.

President Donald Trump’s nominees—Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Makary for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—faced tough questioning from senators over funding cuts and vaccine oversight. The Senate will continue deliberations on both nominations. Bhattacharya has indicated a focus on chronic disease research, while Makary’s approach to vaccine oversight remains uncertain.

Bhattacharya Pressed on NIH Budget Cuts:

• Bhattacharya declined to commit to reversing funding cuts imposed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
• He did not guarantee restoring NIH’s $48 billion budget despite pressure from Senate Democrats and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
• He defended audits of NIH spending, arguing that increased transparency could help rebuild public trust.

Makary Dodges FDA Vaccine Panel Questions:

• Makary refused to commit to reinstating the canceled FDA vaccine advisory panel meeting on flu strain recommendations.
• He denied involvement in the decision but promised to review the panel’s role if confirmed.
• When pressed by senators, he referenced pandemic-era controversies rather than giving a direct answer on vaccine oversight.

The Supreme Court rejected Trump’s request to delay two billion dollars in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) payments, dealing a temporary blow to his foreign aid cuts. With aid programs hanging in the balance, Trump’s next legal moves could reshape US foreign assistance policy.

Why It Matters:

• The 5-4 ruling keeps payments flowing to aid groups and contractors while legal battles continue. Trump’s administration argues the freeze is part of a broader review, but critics say it’s an unlawful shutdown of USAID.
• The decision signals potential high-stakes legal fights over Trump’s authority to block congressionally approved funds.

What’s Next?

• The administration has already canceled 90% of foreign aid projects, setting up future court battles. The ruling could influence other Trump funding freezes, testing the limits of executive power over budgeted spending.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said measles patients in Texas are being treated with vitamin A, antibiotics, and steroids, as cases climb. As measles spreads, the debate over vaccination and alternative treatments continues.

Why It Matters:

• 159 cases reported since January, mostly in unvaccinated children.
• One death—the first US measles fatality since 2015.
• Kennedy says 108 patients have shown "good results" with alternative treatments.

What’s Next?

• Kennedy urges vaccinations in high-risk communities but emphasizes "personal choice."
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges vitamin A's role but notes it's not a cure for measles. Texas health officials have not responded to Kennedy’s claims.

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