The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has closed the public comment period on its proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants and cooperative agreements. According to an analysis of publicly available comments, researchers, universities, and scientific organizations raised significant concerns about several provisions that could affect federal research funding and grant administration.
 
What's happening:

• OMB received nearly 497,000 comments on the proposed rule. An analysis of more than 53,000 publicly posted comments found that approximately 95% expressed concerns with the proposal. The most frequently cited issue, appearing in an estimated 56% of comments, was a provision that could expand political appointee involvement in grant award decisions, followed by concerns about broader authority to terminate federal awards.
• The analysis found that the majority of comments came from the scientific and academic research community, including researchers, faculty, graduate students, clinicians, universities, and professional associations. ASPPH was among the organizations that submitted comments during the rulemaking process. We are grateful to our members who submitted their own comments.

• The Uniform Guidance establishes government-wide requirements for managing federal grants. Changes to these regulations could affect how research awards are reviewed, administered, and monitored across schools and programs of public health.
• OMB must now review and respond to significant public comments before issuing a final rule. The proposed rule indicates an implementation target of October 1, 2026, although the timeline could change as the rulemaking process continues.
• There are a handful of organizations contemplating filing a lawsuit to prevent the implementation of this rule, but that would not happen until the final rule is published in the fall.

Last Tuesday, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to expand hepatitis C screening, treatment, and prevention efforts nationwide. ASPPH applauds Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for introducing the Cure Hepatitis C Act, an effort supported by ASPPH Board Chair and Dean of the University of Iowa College of Public Health, Edith Parker, DrPH, MPH.
 
What's happening:

• The Cure Hepatitis C Act would expand access to hepatitis C screening and curative treatment while strengthening coordination across federal public health programs to advance a national elimination strategy.
• ASPPH, a founding member of the Hepatitis C Elimination Coalition, joined more than 120 organizations in supporting the legislation, which aims to increase access to care and reduce the long-term burden of hepatitis C.

• More than 2.4 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis C, despite treatments that can cure more than 95% of infections. Expanding access to testing and treatment could prevent serious complications, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.
• ASPPH will continue working with Congress and coalition partners to advance evidence-based policies that strengthen public health infrastructure, improve access to care, and support the elimination of hepatitis C as a major public health threat. Read our full statement here.

Last Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a confirmation hearing for Erica Schwartz, President Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the hearing, senators questioned Schwartz on agency leadership, infectious disease response, and the CDC's role in developing and communicating vaccine recommendations. Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general and career public health official, testified before the HELP Committee as she seeks Senate confirmation to lead the CDC. If approved by the committee, her nomination will advance to the full Senate.

What's happening:

• Committee members questioned Schwartz about how she would lead the agency during ongoing public health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, and about the CDC's role in implementing evidence-based vaccine recommendations.
• HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), repeatedly pressed Schwartz on whether she would maintain the CDC's scientific independence and push back if Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s policies conflicted with evidence-based public health recommendations. Cassidy expressed frustration with Schwartz's reluctance to provide a clear commitment, emphasizing the need for a CDC Director willing to stand behind the agency's scientific expertise. 
• Several senators expressed concern that her responses did not clearly establish how she would maintain the CDC's scientific independence. 

Why it matters for public health:

• The CDC Director provides national leadership on disease prevention, outbreak response, public health preparedness, and scientific guidance that informs federal, state, and local public health decision-making.
• Stable leadership at the CDC is important for maintaining public confidence, supporting the public health workforce, and ensuring continuity in the nation's response to current and emerging public health threats.

Last week, the White House announced the nomination of Dr. Timothy Westlake, MD, to serve as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). If confirmed by the Senate, Westlake would become the agency's first permanent leader in more than a year.
 
What's happening:

• Dr. Westlake currently serves as SAMHSA's chief of staff and has prior experience in emergency medicine, state medical regulation, and opioid policy. His nomination now awaits Senate confirmation.
• If confirmed, Dr. Westlake will lead SAMHSA as the agency continues to navigate organizational changes, including workforce reductions over the past year and the Administration's proposal to consolidate SAMHSA into a new Administration for a Healthy America.

Why it matters for public health:

• SAMHSA plays a critical role in supporting mental health services, substance use prevention and treatment, behavioral health research, and community-based grant programs nationwide.
• Stable leadership at SAMHSA is important for maintaining continuity across federal behavioral health initiatives and strengthening partnerships with states, communities, and academic public health institutions.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule ending the long-standing "duration of status" policy for international students. Beginning September 15, most F-1 students will be limited to an initial four-year stay unless they receive an approved extension, replacing the current policy that allows students to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program.

What's happening:

• Under the new rule, international students pursuing longer academic programs, changing majors or institutions, or participating in post-graduation practical training may need to apply for extensions to maintain their legal status. DHS stated the changes are intended to strengthen immigration oversight and ensure students continue making normal academic progress.
• The rule received nearly 22,000 public comments, many expressing concerns about the impact on graduate education and the administrative burden of requiring extension requests. The policy is scheduled to take effect on September 15.

Why it matters for academic public health:

• International students are a vital part of the academic public health community, contributing to research, education, innovation, and the future public health workforce. Many master's, doctoral, and professional training programs extend beyond four years or include post-graduate practical training.
• Schools and programs of public health may experience additional administrative responsibilities as they support international students navigating the new requirements. The rule could also affect recruitment, retention, and the United States' ability to attract and train future global public health leaders.

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