A brief advocacy update highlighting several encouraging developments tied directly to priorities the Child Neurology Society has been advancing on Capitol Hill.
On January 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan “minibus” appropriations package that includes funding for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Homeland Security. The Senate is expected to vote on the package this week, though timing could shift due to weather-related disruptions.
Why this matters for child neurology
The House-passed bill includes several provisions that align closely with CNS advocacy efforts:
Strong support for neuroscience research
- The bill provides $48.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an increase of more than $415 million over FY 2025 levels.
- Within that total, $2.8 billion is allocated to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), up from $2.69 billion.
- The bill also includes a $4 million increase in base funding across NINDS and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for the BRAIN Initiative.
- Notably, the legislation rejects proposed cuts and restructuring outlined in the President’s FY 2026 budget and preserves NIH research infrastructure, including facilities and administrative (F&A) cost support.
Extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities
- The bill extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027, a significant win for CNS members and patients who rely on telehealth for neurological care, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
- The legislation does include two new telehealth billing modifiers that may introduce additional administrative burden. If enacted, CNS will closely monitor CMS’s implementation and raise concerns where these requirements create unnecessary barriers for clinicians.
While this package is not yet final, these provisions reflect meaningful progress and underscore the impact of continued engagement by CNS and our advocacy partners. We will keep you informed as the Senate considers the legislation and as next steps become clearer.
View the CNS Advocacy Approach and Priorities