National Medical Association Statement on the Proposed Changes to Federal Financial Assistance Regulations
For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2026
Statement attributable to:
126th President, National Medical Association
The National Medical Association (NMA) is deeply concerned by the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revisions to the federal regulations governing grants and cooperative agreements across federal agencies.
For more than a century, federal investments in public health, medical research, physician workforce development, and community health programs have advanced scientific discovery, improved health outcomes, and strengthened the nation’s capacity to address emerging health challenges. The proposed rule would significantly alter the framework under which these investments are awarded, administered, and sustained.
Of particular concern are provisions that would:
- Expand federal authority to suspend or terminate grants based on evolving policy priorities or determinations of the “national interest,” creating uncertainty for long-term research, clinical, and public health initiatives;
- Restrict allowable costs for scientific publication, conference participation, professional memberships, and other activities that are essential for disseminating research findings and advancing medical knowledge;
- Increase administrative burdens and compliance requirements for grant recipients, diverting valuable resources away from patient care, research, and community health programs;
- Introduce new restrictions that could impede research addressing health disparities, population health, and the social and structural factors that influence health outcomes; and
- Undermine the stability and predictability needed for institutions, physicians, researchers, and community organizations to effectively serve patients and communities.
- Make it easier to cancel grants after they have been awarded.
Medical research and public health programs depend on transparent, merit-based funding processes that promote scientific excellence, innovation, and accountability. Policies that create uncertainty in federal funding, that limit the communication of scientific findings, or that restrict evidence-based research risk slowing progress against some of our nation’s most pressing health challenges, including chronic disease, maternal mortality, cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, and infectious disease threats.
The NMA urges the Administration to carefully reconsider provisions that could weaken the nation’s public health and research infrastructure. We encourage policymakers to preserve a federal grantmaking system that supports scientific integrity, protects the dissemination of research, promotes equitable access to health services, and ensures that federally funded programs can continue improving the health of all communities, especially those most impacted by adverse health conditions.
The NMA stands ready to work with federal policymakers, public health leaders, researchers, and stakeholders to strengthen accountability and transparency while preserving the essential investments that support medical innovation, public health preparedness, and health equity across the United States.
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About the National Medical Association:
The National Medical Association is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jaylen Christie
850-556-4924
jaylen@bdaviscomm.com
