Advocacy News

• Tariff tug-of-war drags on
• Act now: Pathologists support Medicare pay reform bill
• US considers launching a new global health initiative
• Florida pathologists unite for advocacy
• Jay Bhattacharya named as acting CDC lead
• Connect, advocate, and lead in Washington, DC

Last Friday the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration exceeded its authority when imposing sweeping tariffs in 2025 using a law reserved for national emergencies. 

Zoom in: The 6-3 decision invalidated tariffs implemented using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) law. 

• Following the court ruling, President Donald J. Trump announced a new plan to set a global tariff rate under his authorities granted in the Trade Act of 1974.
• The White House announced a global tariff rate of 10%—but it later raised the rate to 15%.
• The new tariffs went into effect today.

The CAP previously sent a letter to the administration calling for a tariff exemption for laboratory supplies.

Last week, we reported on recently introduced legislation that would pause Medicare payment cuts and help ensure fair, stable compensation for physicians.

The CAP is urging lawmakers to pass the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (HR 7520). The bill would stop the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) efficiency adjustment policy until 2030.

What we're saying: We joined more than 20 other medical organizations in signing a letter backing the bill.

• Read the CAP’s issue brief on the efficiency adjustment.

Take action: Your voice matters. Use our Action Alert Center to urge your representatives to support the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act.

After withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) last year and shutdown of the US Agency for International Development, the Trump administration is planning to launch new alternative initiatives.

The impact: The Department of Health and Human Services is reportedly proposing $2 billion a year to replace the systems the US once accessed through the World Health Organization. 

• The initiative would re-create systems such as disease surveillance, data-sharing networks, and rapid-response teams.

What’s next: The CAP will update members as more information becomes available.

The recent Florida Society of Pathologists’ Annual Pathologists Conference drew 325 pathologists for a strong showing of engagement and collaboration across the state. 

What they’re saying: Council on Government and Professional Affairs Chair A. Joe Saad, MD, CPE, FCAP, spoke on the importance of partnership between state societies and the CAP, while also addressing the key issues facing pathologists and the need for unified advocacy moving forward. 

Dr. Saad highlighted the pressing challenges facing pathologists, from regulatory and reimbursement pressures to workforce concerns, and called for a unified, proactive advocacy strategy to ensure that the specialty’s voice remains strong at both the state and national levels.

Go deeper: Learn more about the CAP's resources for state societies.

The Trump Administration has tapped National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, to temporarily lead the CDC. He will be the acting director until a permanent director is nominated and confirmed. 

Bhattacharya takes on the role after the previous acting director, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, exited the CDC and is expected to be nominated to lead the National Science Foundation (NSF).

• Dr. Bhattacharya will still run NIH and is the third leader the CDC has had since last summer.
• Dr. Bhattacharya is a physician-scientist and health economist who was previously a professor of medicine, economics, and health research policy at Stanford University.

Pathologists nationwide are gearing up for the 2026 House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit. 

Details: Join your colleagues in Washington, DC, April 25–28. Network with colleagues, engage with CAP leaders, and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill about the policy issues shaping our specialty and patient care.

Register today, preview the agenda, and share on social using #HODPLS26!