Public Health Under Threat
Understanding the threat to public health
These dangerous proposals jeopardize critical public health systems, weaken protections for vulnerable populations and risk worsening health inequities.
Making sense of the buzzwords and protecting public health
You’ve probably heard the buzzwords — "Big Beautiful Bill," "Reconciliation," "FY 2025," "FY 2026," "Rescission Package." What do these terms mean, and how could they impact public health funding in your community?
APHA on key public health policy issues
Hear what APHA has to say about policy proposals that will impact public health.
The Reconciliation Act is not a victory for America
The passage of the reconciliation act is not a victory for America — and those who voted for it are not patriots and should be ashamed. This bill undermines our economic security by increasing our national debt to obscene levels.
The House must reject the President's bill passed by the Senate
Today the Senate has signed off on legislation that takes away health coverage from at least 16 million Americans, dramatically reduces access to necessary programs that feed people and ensures our air is less safe to breath. It also borrows from our kids and grandkids future by increasing our national debt by a whopping $3 trillion.
High Court Ruling Protects Access to Preventive Care
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., upholding the constitutionality of the provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates cost-free insurance coverage of preventive services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The ACA extends this benefit to virtually all privately-insured Americans.
Supreme Court Ruling on Planned Parenthood Threatens Access to Health Care
On June 26, the Supreme Court of the United States decided Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case involving whether Medicaid beneficiaries can sue in federal court when a state limits their freedom to choose a qualified provider, as required by the Medicaid statute. The Court held that Medicaid’s free choice of provider requirement cannot be privately enforced in federal court.
APHA's role in defending public health
APHA is fighting back. We remain steadfast in our efforts to challenge harmful policies, advocate for evidence-based approaches and defend the well-being of all Americans.
- Advocacy to protect public health
- Initiatives challenging threats to public health
- APHA speaks out in the news
APHA has been part of successful litigation and action challenging some of the biggest threats to public health. Read the latest testimony, comments and briefs and read all public letters to congress and federal agencies from APHA, including:
- The House passed a budget reconciliation bill that would slash health coverage, food benefits and roll back environmental protections. APHA sent a letter to all members of the House urging them to oppose the bill and instead to work on legislation to expand health coverage, improve the nation’s public health system and strengthen and maintain important clean energy and clean air rules and programs.
- President’s FY 2026 proposed budget would eliminate or significantly cut critical public health programs and agencies. APHA issued a statement condemning the proposal and urging Congress to reject it and instead work on serious bipartisan appropriations bills that would protect and improve the public’s health.
- Court rejects Trump administration request to pause APHA-backed lawsuit to stop illegal reorganization and RIFs at federal agencies. On April 28, APHA joined a coalition of nonprofits, unions and local governments in filing a complaint against the Trump administration’s massive unconstitutional federal agency reorganization and staff cuts across federal agencies. In the complaint, the groups tell the court that the president does not possess authority to reorganize, downsize, or otherwise transform the agencies of the federal government, unless and until Congress authorizes such action.
- Letter to HHS expresses concern about tobacco prevention efforts amid agency cuts. On May 21, APHA and 86 other organizations sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to express concern about the Trump administration’s reduction in force and unauthorized reorganization of federal agencies and the impact it will have on smoking prevention and cessation efforts.
For Our Health
Support for fired public health workers
