Advocacy in Action: Mid-Year Recap

As Congress breaks for its annual summer recess, it offers a moment to reflect on the state of federal policy and what it means for lung cancer patients, research, and the broader medical community. We are using this time to take stock of key developments so far this year and reaffirm why our advocacy matters now more than ever. 

Over the past 6 months, actions at the federal level have raised deep concerns. Proposed cuts to scientific and medical research threaten not only public health but also innovation, the economy, and the future of cancer care. 

One of the most significant threats is a proposed $18 billion reduction to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is nearly 40% of its total budget. These cuts would freeze or eliminate thousands of research grants and clinical trials, many of which focus on cancer, mental health, HIV, ALS, and other life-threatening conditions. 

For cancer research in particular, the potential setback is alarming. Cuts in hundreds of millions of dollars and the cancellation of hundreds of trials could erase decades of hard-won progress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this level of disinvestment could lead to up to 20 fewer new drugs entering clinical trials each decade. At the same time, reductions to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) budget could slow the review and approval of new treatments. These are delays that people living with or at risk for cancer cannot afford. 

The consequences extend beyond patient care. NIH research funding fuels economic growth in communities across the country, generating roughly $2.60 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested. These funds support small businesses, universities, and research institutions, helping to build strong local economies and a vibrant scientific workforce. Without stable, predictable investment, top researchers are likely to leave the field or the country, while young investigators may be forced to abandon promising careers altogether. As the U.S. pulls back, other nations, in particular China and the European Union, are increasing their investment in biomedical innovation, threatening our global leadership in science and medicine. 

That’s why GO2 has been fully engaged in advocating against these harmful proposals. We’ve been working with our partners, meeting with lawmakers, and activating our community to raise awareness and demand action. Our goal is to ensure that lung cancer is not overlooked and that the policies shaping our future prioritize patients, science, and equity. We are determined to protect the progress we’ve made, to drive continued innovation, and to transform survivorship for everyone affected by this disease. Here are key highlights of our advocacy efforts:  

Reversing cuts and restoring federal research funding

We are staunch advocates for the highest possible funding levels for key federal health and research agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a member of the Once Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) coalition we are contributing to a strong and diverse national health leadership voice calling on Congress to reverse federal funding cuts.  

We are urging Congress to preserve a dedicated Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP) housed within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) in the Department of Defense (DOD).  This pipeline was established in 2008, and our advocacy efforts each year have secured to date over $245.5 million for our research community.  We are working to restore $25 million in an earlier FY25 budget resolution. Regarding the current FY26 budget, we are urging Congress to provide the full $60 million for the LCRP pipeline.  This investment is essential to advancing lifesaving innovations in lung cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship. 

Ensuring access to care 

We have expressed opposition to several healthcare provisions in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, which roll back coverage and reduce support for patients and providers across the country.  The bill contains steep Medicaid cuts and adds restrictions, such as work requirements, that could hinder access to lung cancer care for low-income and vulnerable patients.  

Advancing priority legislation to improve lung cancer outcomes for women and seniors

The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025 (H.R. 2319/S.1157), led by Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) would address the unique and devastating impact of lung cancer on women.  The bill has been reintroduced and recently advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842/S. 339) would enable earlier detection and improved outcomes through Medicare coverage of MCED tests. 

Working to preserve no-cost lung cancer screening 

The Supreme Court ended its term with a lifesaving victory for our community. In Braidwood Management Inc. v. Kennedy, the Court ruled to protect no-cost lung cancer screening, ensuring this vital tool for early detection remains covered. We joined an amicus brief in this case to help protect access to preventive care, and we will stay vigilant—standing strong to defend these screenings and the lives they help save. 

Strengthening state plans to fight lung cancer 

We evaluated comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and found major gaps in screening, biomarker testing, and treatment goals.  With the Centers for Disease Control’s cancer prevention and control division, which is key to funding and supporting these plans, slated for elimination in the FY 2026 proposed budget, it’s more urgent than ever to support states in closing these gaps.  We will continue to advocate for stronger inclusion of lung cancer in state comprehensive cancer control plans.

Joining partners and coalition efforts to preserve and protect access to affordable, high-quality and equitable care 

Learn about our joint coalition efforts to preserve and protect access to affordable and equitable care by reading our policy letters.  

As Congress comes back into session this fall, we will continue to push for policies that preserve healthcare coverage, safeguard access to care, support medical innovation, and ensure that those impacted by lung cancer are not left behind.