OLPA Mission

The Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis (OLPA) ensures that Congress has the most accurate and up-to-date information about biomedical research, coordinates legislative activities with the Department of Health and Human Services, and manages NIH’s response to requests from the various entities that serve Congress (CRS, CBO, and GAO). In addition, OLPA provides essential information, advice, and guidance on NIH-relevant Congressional actions to the NIH Director, NIH’s Executive Leadership, NIH’s Institutes and Centers, and the broader NIH community.

Functions

• Advises the NIH Director and OD program offices on significant legislative activities;
• Serves as the principal NIH legislative liaison with the Congress, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Management and Budget, other Federal agencies, and non-Federal organizations;
• Prepares the NIH Director and other senior NIH officials to testify at Congressional hearings;
• Analyzes pending legislation to assess likely impact on NIH;
• Monitors and keeps the NIH community informed about key legislative developments that may affect NIH;
• Briefs Members of Congress and their staffs on NIH priorities and programs; and
• Coordinates visits to NIH by Members of Congress and their staffs.