Why It Matters

The American Physical Society wants to sustain federal investment in physics research amid competing pressures for budget cuts, foreign espionage threats, and talent restrictions. Congress has intensified its focus on research security—particularly China’s recruitment of American scientists—while proposing deep cuts to science agencies.

APS’s lobbying directly addresses these interconnected threats through advocacy on federal appropriations for key agencies, implementation of research security measures like NSPM-33, protection of international scientific talent through visa policies, and support for the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization. At stake is whether the U.S. maintains robust science funding and retains the international talent necessary for leadership in quantum technology—or whether budget austerity and security restrictions fundamentally weaken American research capacity.

By the Numbers

The American Physical Society reported $232,974 in fourth quarter 2025 in-house lobbying expenses, continuing a two-decade advocacy operation. APS has spent $12.7 million across 85 total disclosures since 2003.

The organization maintains a five-person in-house lobbying team led by veteran Mark Thomas Elsesser, who has represented APS since 2014 ($8.53 million across 48 disclosures). Jorge Nicolas Hernandez Charpak joined in 2020 (22 disclosures, $4.56 million), followed by Charlotte Selton in 2022 and Julie Davis in 2023.

APS has supplemented its operation by engaging Lot Sixteen LLC from 2024-2026, spending $80,000 on targeted advocacy addressing anti-DEI provisions and STEM workforce development.

The Agenda

The American Physical Society lobbied on issues critical to the physics research community in the last quarter of 2025, focusing on securing federal funding for the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and Department of Defense.

The organization prioritized research security concerns, particularly "Theft/Espionage" and implementation of NSPM-33. APS also advocated on National Quantum Initiative reauthorization, immigration and scientific mobility (F-1, J-1, H1B visas), and STEM education initiatives.

These priorities reflect consistent APS advocacy patterns. Since 2003, Budget/Appropriations and Energy/Nuclear policy have appeared in all 78 in-house filings, with education, research security, and immigration as persistent focus areas spanning two decades.

Broader Context

APS’s lobbying unfolds within a rapidly shifting policy landscape. The Trump administration proposed severe cuts for fiscal year 2026, including a 57% reduction to the National Science Foundation and froze approximately $5 billion in NIH and NSF research grants. However, Congress largely resisted these cuts.

Research security has become a top congressional priority, with intensified scrutiny of Chinese efforts to recruit American scientists. The House Science Committee passed the United States Research Protection Act to provide clearer guidance on foreign talent recruitment programs.

Quantum technology emerged as bipartisan priority, with Senators Cantwell and Young introducing reauthorization legislation. International scientific talent faces new restrictions through H-1B visa program limitations.

Between The Lines

Congress actively shapes APS’s lobbying agenda across multiple fronts. The House Science Committee examined NSPM-33 implementation while the Senate Energy Committee held hearings on foreign nationals at DOE laboratories.

On funding, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $9 billion for NSF, while Rep. Foster introduced the American Innovation Act for steady 5% annual research budget increases.

Quantum legislation gained momentum with the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act and Congress designating "World Quantum Day".

The Strengthening Science Through Diplomacy Act passed the House, facilitating U.S. scientist collaboration at international physics experiments.

Competitive Landscape

APS operates within a crowded advocacy ecosystem. Princeton University mirrors APS priorities, lobbying on DOE appropriations, research security, and quantum reauthorization. Applied Materials Inc. also supports quantum initiatives.

Key congressional champions include Rep. Bill Foster, Congress’s only Ph.D. physicist, and Senators Cantwell and Young on quantum technology.

APS’s advantage lies in its specialized physics focus and deep institutional relationships cultivated over two decades of consistent advocacy.

The Bottom Line

The American Physical Society’s fourth quarter 2025 lobbying focused on defending federal science funding amid proposed cuts. APS spent $232,974 advocating on research security, quantum technology, and international scientific mobility—issues directly aligned with active congressional debates.

The organization worked within a politically contentious environment where Congress largely rejected Trump administration proposals for severe science agency cuts. APS’s dual approach of maintaining a long-term in-house operation while selectively engaging external firms demonstrates a calibrated strategy for addressing both enduring policy challenges and emerging political priorities.

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