Brain Related Policy Issues

The ABC is committed to staying abreast of brain and health related federal policy issues. Based on our policy positions, ABC regularly provides support of or opposition to legislative bills, programs, proposals, statements, appointments, and white papers, as well as written and oral testimony, related to federal and government agency brain-related issues.

Statement from ABC on Dangerous Cuts to NIH Research ~ February 10, 2025

On Friday, February 7, the administration released a new directive capping facilities and administration costs for NIH grants at 15%, threatening critical research infrastructure and progress on lifesaving treatments. These cuts would severely impact federally funded institutions and biomedical innovation.

On February 10, attorneys general from 22 states filed a lawsuit against the administration and asking a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order and declare the new policy illegal. ABC has released a statement calling on the administration to withdraw the policy.

Legislative Bills

Healthy Brains Act

U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act on August 1, 2024 to bolster research into the environmental risks factors, including environmental toxicants exposures, of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy), Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS).

“The American Brain Coalition (ABC) supports, enthusiastically, the HEALTHY BRAINS Act. This legislation represents a significant step towards understanding and mitigating the impact of environmental risk factors for neurodegenerative and other brain diseases, ensuring a healthier future for our communities. By putting appropriate and sufficient resources in the hands of experts supported by NIH, we can empower healthcare professionals and the public with a growing body of knowledge about environmental risk factors and, later, the tools needed to prevent and combat environmentally-related brain diseases,” said Mark M. Rasenick, PhD, Chair, American Brain Coalition. See the recent Press Release, and stay tuned for more information on how you can work with ABC as we advocate to move this bill forward.

Mental Health Research Accelerator Act

The Mental Health Research Accelerator Act was introduced by Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Representative Mike Thomson (CA) and Chairman Representative Mike Kelly (PA) on September 28, 2023. This bill would help support the research and development that is truly needed to tackle the mental health emergency in this country. It would allow for a tax credit for 25% of expenses towards the translational research of neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions—incentivizing industry to harness their efforts to solve this expansive problem.

American Brain Coalition Board Chair, Dr. Mark Rasenick, was proud to present the bill, alongside ABC member, Garen Staglin, Founder of One Mind. “Research toward the etiology and treatments of psychiatric disorders is beginning to show promise and it is imperative that Congress do all it can to support further advancements.” ~Mark Rasenick, PhD, ABC Board Chair

See the recent Press Release, and stay tuned for more information on how you can work with ABC as we advocate to move this bill forward.