On February 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to drastically restructure and effectively dismantle the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families. This move threatens one of the federal government’s most respected, bipartisan research offices—responsible for producing independent evidence on programs that serve millions of children and families.
OPRE supports research on critical programs including Head Start, MIECHV, TANF, child welfare, and child care. Under the proposed restructuring, most research would be halted, and remaining work would require approval from political appointees—undermining scientific independence and raising concerns about consistency with congressional intent.
Take Action:
Add your name to a sign-on letter urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to:
- Halt the restructuring of OPRE
- Consult transparently with Congress and stakeholders
- Allow ongoing research to be completed
- Uphold the evidence-building principles of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act
Evidence matters. Speak up now to protect rigorous, independent research that informs policy for children and families.
Signatures accepted until 9:00 AM ET, Friday, February 20, 2026.
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