The United States Congress has finalized and passed a comprehensive funding bill for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone for the biomedical research community and patients nationwide. This legislative achievement follows an intensive year-long advocacy campaign led by the Endocrine Society and a coalition of more than 140 medical and patient organizations. The bill provides a vital boost to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), allocating an increase of approximately $415 million in total funding. This includes a targeted $10 million increase specifically for diabetes research, alongside critical protective language designed to safeguard the operational integrity of the nation’s premier medical research agency.
The passage of this funding package is viewed by many in the scientific community as a major reversal of fortune. Earlier in the budget cycle, the administration had proposed a drastic 40% reduction in NIH research funding, a move that would have resulted in the cancellation of thousands of active grants and a fundamental restructuring of the agency. Critics of the initial proposal argued that such deep cuts would have decimated the biomedical workforce and stalled decades of progress in treating chronic conditions, particularly in the field of endocrinology.
Legislative Protections and the Reclaiming of Congressional Authority
Beyond the headline funding figures, the FY 2026 bill contains specific "policy riders" and legislative language that the Endocrine Society championed to protect the autonomy of the NIH. One of the most significant provisions limits a budget maneuver known as "multi-year funding." In recent years, concerns had grown that administrative shifts could lock in or redirect funds in ways that bypass annual congressional oversight. By limiting this practice, the new law reclaims congressional authority over federal spending, ensuring that funds are distributed transparently and in accordance with legislative intent.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits the imposition of arbitrary caps on indirect cost rates. Indirect costs—often referred to as facilities and administrative (F&A) costs—cover the essential infrastructure of research, including laboratory maintenance, utility costs, and administrative support for regulatory compliance. Proponents of the NIH argued that capping these rates would effectively force research institutions to subsidize federal projects, potentially leading to the closure of labs or a decrease in the quality of research environments.
To further streamline operations, the legislation requires that NIH grants be paid within five business days of approval. This measure is intended to provide financial stability to researchers, particularly early-career scientists who rely on timely fund disbursements to maintain laboratory staff and procure necessary materials.
A Year of Strategic Advocacy
The Endocrine Society’s role in securing these outcomes was the result of a multifaceted, 12-month strategy. While the Society was one of many groups advocating for the NIH, it emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the Capitol. The campaign utilized a combination of digital advocacy, traditional lobbying, and educational briefings to inform lawmakers of the high stakes involved.
Key components of the advocacy effort included:
- Online Advocacy Campaigns: Leveraging a global network of members to send thousands of letters and social media messages to Congressional representatives.
- Hill Days: Organizing both in-person and virtual delegations of endocrinologists to meet with Congressional staff and explain the real-world impact of research funding on patient care.
- Coalition Building: The Society successfully convened a broad spectrum of professional medical societies and patient advocacy groups. This culminated in a joint letter to Congressional leadership signed by over 140 organizations, creating a unified front that was difficult for policymakers to ignore.
Reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program and Telehealth Expansion
In a parallel legislative victory, the President signed into law a package that reauthorizes the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) and extends Medicare telehealth waivers. The SDP has been a cornerstone of diabetes research and prevention since its inception in 1997. The new law funds the program at $200 million per year, representing a $40 million increase for each of the program’s two primary components.
The first component of the SDP supports Type 1 diabetes research conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a branch of the NIH. This research is critical for developing new therapies, such as artificial pancreas systems and immune-modulating treatments. The second component, administered through the Indian Health Service, focuses on diabetes prevention, education, and treatment for indigenous communities, who experience disproportionately high rates of the disease.
The Society worked closely with the bipartisan leadership of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus to ensure this increase. Key champions included Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), along with Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Michael Bilirakis (R-FL). In a press release following the bill’s passage, Senator Collins highlighted the record funding, featuring insights from the Endocrine Society’s Chief Medical Officer, Robert W. Lash, MD, regarding the program’s transformative potential.
Additionally, the legislation extends Medicare telehealth waivers for another two years. This ensures that beneficiaries can continue to receive specialized care from their physicians via telehealth from their own homes. For endocrinologists, who are the largest users of telehealth services within the Medicare system, this extension is vital for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal insufficiency, which require frequent monitoring and consultation.
Modernizing the NIH: The Senate HELP Committee Hearing
As the funding debate concludes for FY 2026, the focus has shifted toward long-term structural reforms. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) recently held a high-profile hearing on "modernizing" the NIH. Jayanta Bhattacharya, the Director of the NIH, testified before the committee, addressing a wide range of policy issues including drug pricing, gain-of-function research, and vaccine scheduling.
During the hearing, several senators expressed deep concerns about the current state of the biomedical workforce. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) noted that cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have had a measurable negative impact on women’s health research and studies regarding health disparities. Furthermore, she warned that the current volatile funding environment is discouraging early-career scientists from remaining in the research field, potentially leading to a "brain drain" that could hamper American innovation for decades.
Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) raised concerns regarding leadership gaps within the NIH’s 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs). Senator Baldwin specifically reminded Director Bhattacharya of language included in the funding bill—supported by the Endocrine Society—that directs the NIH to include external scientists in the search process for new IC directors. This move is intended to ensure that the agency’s leadership remains connected to the broader scientific community.
In his testimony, Director Bhattacharya reiterated his commitment to restoring public trust in science and supporting the next generation of researchers. When questioned by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) regarding the impact of canceled clinical trials on patients, Bhattacharya stated that he had instructed researchers to ensure "continuity of care," though he clarified that the ultimate responsibility for patient care rested with the researchers rather than the NIH itself.
Educational Initiatives: Obesity and Liver Disease
The Endocrine Society has also expanded its efforts to educate policymakers on emerging health crises. On January 22, the Society partnered with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) to host a congressional briefing titled “GLP-1s: A Game Changer for the Treatment of Liver Disease.”
Former Endocrine Society President Dale Abel, MD, PhD, served as a primary speaker, educating congressional staff on the mechanics of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications, originally developed for diabetes, have shown remarkable efficacy in treating obesity and associated conditions, including Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)—formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dr. Abel explained how obesity acts as a driver for a variety of metabolic diseases and how new pharmacological interventions can reduce the need for more invasive treatments, such as liver transplants. Following the briefing, Dr. Abel met with congressional leadership to discuss policy options for improving access to these treatments, further cementing the Society’s reputation as an authoritative voice in metabolic health.
Future Outlook: The FY 2027 Budget Cycle
The victory for FY 2026 provides only a brief respite for advocates. Attention is already turning to the upcoming FY 2027 budget cycle. President Trump is expected to release his budget proposal in mid-March, and the Endocrine Society anticipates that it may once again include proposals for significant research funding cuts.
To proactively address these potential challenges, the Society is conducting a virtual Hill Day on March 13. During this event, members will meet with Congressional staff to emphasize the importance of steady, sustainable funding increases. The Society’s leadership has urged all members to remain engaged, noting that the successes of the past year were only possible through collective action.
The broader implications of these funding decisions extend beyond the laboratory. Research funded by the NIH and the SDP drives economic growth, supports high-tech jobs in the biotechnology sector, and ultimately reduces healthcare costs by developing more effective preventions and treatments. As the legislative process for the next fiscal year begins, the Endocrine Society remains committed to ensuring that Congress continues to prioritize and protect the scientific infrastructure that underpins American public health.