The ATS advocacy program works hard to ensure that expert input from its members is heard in the federal policy-making process, including the development of legislation, regulation, science policy, and even court decisions. With the unprecedented changes in process and priorities ushered in by the Trump administration, ATS work in the advocacy arena is more vital than ever – but many ATS members remain unaware of the Society’s advocacy activities. 

To address the tumultuous intersection of federal policy and its implications for science, public health, and clean air policies that ATS members care about, the organization is introducing new ATS Advocacy Seminars throughout the ATS 2026 International Conference in Orlando.

“The health care and research communities are experiencing a seismic shift in policy priorities under the Trump administration. Changing research priorities and processes, rollback of EPA clean air and climate regulations, funding for public health programs, changes in vaccine policy, dismissals of scientific experts at federal agencies and cuts to health insurance coverage are just a few of the policies challenging the pulmonary, critical care and sleep community,” explained Gary Ewart, MHS, chief of advocacy and government relations for the ATS. “We hope the new ATS Advocacy Seminar series will inform members about the advocacy work that the ATS is engaged in and hopefully energize ATS members to join the effort.”

This series of 60-minute seminars will cover a range of topics, including tobacco control, air pollution regulation, and research advocacy, among other relevant issues (a full session listing is included below). Leaders from applicable ATS efforts will lead these sessions by sharing the work that the ATS is engaged in on behalf of its members, while simultaneously gathering feedback from attendees to identify members’ priorities and additional opportunities to expand these advocacy efforts.

“We want to create a dialogue with attendees where we can not only inform members about what we’re doing, but actually activate them to become a part of it,” Ewart said.

Due to spatial constraints, these seminars will be capped at approximately 50-60 attendees. No separate registration is required to attend, and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The complete schedule for ATS Advocacy Seminars will be announced soon on the International Conference website.

ATS Members interested in being appointed to a committee should submit their information in the Get Involved portal.

The ATS is committed to advancing respiratory health not only at the federal level, but also through impactful advocacy at the state and local levels. State-level advocacy efforts focus on improving patient access to care, supporting public health initiatives, and strengthening health systems through evidence-based policy solutions. The team continuously monitors and tracks state legislation affecting lung health, sleep, and critical care. These efforts allow the Society to respond quickly to emerging policy threats or opportunities. If there are policy opportunities in your state to collaborate with the ATS, please contact Kennedi Pankey ([email protected]) about coordinating efforts.