In this blog, Douglas Huynh offers a behind-the-scenes look at how lobbying works in practice—cutting through spin, navigating political realities, and seizing legislative opportunities. Through the story of the ECAPS Act and its attempt to ride along in a reconciliation package, he shows how politics often trumps policy, even when everything seems lined up for success.

As a lobbyist, one of the many questions I get asked often is what became of a piece of legislation we supported or opposed as an organization.  As is the case many times, the answer is – it’s complicated.

The first half of 2025 has demonstrated just how powerful pharmacy advocacy can be when national and state organizations work in alignment.