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.
Public health leaders urge court to protect Medicaid beneficiaries from harmful waivers in Indiana
The American Public Health Association, along with 67 leading deans and scholars in public health and health law, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Monte Rose Jr., et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., et al. The brief urges the court to affirm a lower court ruling that the federal government violated the law by allowing Indiana to continue to restrict Medicaid eligibility and coverage of services in its Section 1115 demonstration waiver.
Supreme Court intervenes to allow Trump’s unlawful reorganization of the Federal Government to continue as case proceeds
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.
APHA Joins Others to Sue HHS, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Unlawful, Unilateral Vaccine Changes
Today, the American Public Health Association (APHA) joined the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Physicians (ACP), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA), Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and a pregnant physician, in filing suit in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts to defend vaccine policy, and to put an end to the Secretary’s assault on science, public health and evidence-based medicine.
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.
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
