Mission Statement

The Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis (OLPA) serves as the principal office within the Office of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), for providing legislative analysis, policy development, and liaison with the Congress. OLPA facilitates and enhances the relationship between NIH and the Congress; advances NIH legislative priorities; and ensures that the NIH community receives essential information, advice, and guidance regarding developments in the Congress that affect NIH. To accomplish this mission, OLPA performs these functions:

• Advises the Director, NIH, 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 Director, NIH, and other senior staff members to testify at congressional hearings


• Analyzes pending legislation to assess the likely impact on NIH


• Monitors and keeps the NIH community informed of key legislative developments that may affect NIH


• Briefs members of Congress and their staffs on NIH priorities and programs


• Coordinates visits to NIH by members of Congress and their staffs