House Committee on Appropriations Approves FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill with Accompanying Report

House Committee Approves FY26 Labor, Health Appropriations Bill with Global Health impacts

Washington D.C. – The House Committee on Appropriations approved its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 concerning Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on September 9, 2025. This legislation carries considerable implications for U.S. involvement in Global Health initiatives, particularly funding allocated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Changes to CDC Funding

The proposed bill introduces critically important alterations to the CDC’s global health portfolio. Funding for critical programs, including those focused on Global HIV/AIDS, Global Tuberculosis, and certain global vaccination efforts, is slated for elimination. However, funding for global polio eradication and Global Public Health Protection programs will remain at current levels, mirroring Fiscal Year 2025 allocations. Moreover, responsibilities for programs addressing Parasitic Diseases and Malaria will be transferred from the Center for Global Health to the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, even though the precise funding amount for these transferred programs remains unspecified.

NIH Global Health Research Funding

Regarding the National Institutes of Health, funding for global health research conducted by the Fogarty International Center is expected to remain consistent with Fiscal Year 2025 levels. The financial support for othre global health research initiatives, focusing on areas like HIV/AIDS and Malaria, is still pending, as these allocations are persistent at the agency level rather than through direct Congressional assignment in the appropriations bill.The Bill stipulates that any funding for HIV research will be jointly determined by the Director of NIH and the Director of the Office of AIDS Research.

A Closer Look at the Funding Adjustments

According to data released by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in early September 2025, the United States has historically been the largest bilateral donor to global health, with contributions exceeding $10 billion annually. These proposed changes signal a potential shift in the country’s commitment to specific Global health programs. KFF’s budget summaries provide a past context for understanding these shifts.

Agency	Program	FY26 Proposed Change
CDC	Global HIV/AIDS	Funding Eliminated
CDC	Global Tuberculosis	Funding Eliminated
CDC	global Vaccination (select Programs)	Funding Eliminated
CDC	Global Polio Vaccination	Funding Maintained (FY25 Levels)
NIH	Fogarty International Center	Funding Maintained (FY25 Levels)
NIH	Global HIV/AIDS & Malaria Research	Funding Amount Pending

Did You Know? The U.S. is a major contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, providing billions in funding to combat these diseases worldwide.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about federal appropriations can empower you to advocate for the global health issues you care about. Contacting your representatives is a crucial step.

The implications of these funding alterations are far-reaching, potentially impacting efforts to combat infectious diseases and improve healthcare access in vulnerable populations globally. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of U.S. foreign aid and the ongoing debates surrounding resource allocation in the realm of Global Health. What impact will these funding changes have on global health security in the long term? How can international partnerships mitigate the potential negative consequences of these cuts?

Understanding the U.S. Global Health Budget

The U.S. Global Health budget is a complex network of funding streams channeled through various agencies, including the State Department, the CDC, the NIH, and the U.S. Agency for International Progress (USAID). These funds support a wide range of activities, from disease surveillance and outbreak response to research and development of new treatments and vaccines. Historically, Congressional appropriations have been a key driver of Global Health outcomes, influencing the scale and scope of interventions around the world. The KFF’s budget tracker provides an excellent resource for tracking these trends over time.

Frequently Asked questions about U.S. Global Health Funding

Share your thoughts on these proposed funding changes in the comments below! We encourage a constructive dialog on the future of U.S. Global Health policy.

What specific provisions within the bill address potential impacts on access to healthcare in rural communities?

Key Provisions of the FY26 LHHS, Education, and Related Agencies Bill

on September 12, 2025, the House Committee on Appropriations approved the FY 2026 funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies. This bill represents a crucial step in the federal budget process, outlining proposed funding levels for vital programs impacting American workers, healthcare access, education initiatives, and social services. The accompanying report details specific allocations and directives for each agency. Understanding these provisions is essential for stakeholders across various sectors.

Funding Highlights & Allocation Breakdown

The bill proposes a total allocation of[InsertActualDollarAmount-[InsertActualDollarAmount-research needed]- a[Percentageincrease/decrease-[Percentageincrease/decrease-research needed]compared to the FY 2025 enacted levels. Hear’s a breakdown of key funding areas:

* Department of Labor: [InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed]. Focus areas include workforce development programs, job training initiatives, and worker protection measures. Specific programs like the Job Corps and Apprenticeship programs are slated to receive[specificFundingDetails-[specificFundingDetails-research needed].

* Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): [InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed]. This represents the largest portion of the bill, with notable funding directed towards:

* National Institutes of Health (NIH): [InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed]. Supporting biomedical research and innovation.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed]. Strengthening public health infrastructure and disease prevention efforts.

* Healthcare Services: Funding for programs like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces and community health centers.

* Department of Education: [InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed]. prioritizing K-12 education, higher education access, and student loan programs.

* Related Agencies: Funding for agencies like the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Impact on Key Programs: A Closer Look

Several programs are particularly affected by the proposed funding levels.

* Title I Grants to Local Education Agencies: these grants, crucial for supporting schools with high concentrations of low-income students, are proposed to receive[InsertDollarAmount/Change-[InsertDollarAmount/Change-research needed]. This will impact resource availability for disadvantaged students.

* Pell Grants: the maximum Pell Grant award is proposed at[InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed], potentially affecting college affordability for millions of students.

* National School Lunch Program: Funding for school meal programs remains a priority, with proposed allocations of[InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed].

* Substance Abuse and mental Health services Management (SAMHSA): Increased funding is allocated to SAMHSA to address the ongoing mental health crisis and the opioid epidemic, totaling[InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed].

* Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): Funding for WIOA state and local programs is set at[InsertDollarAmount-[InsertDollarAmount-research needed], aiming to improve employment outcomes for job seekers.

Report Directives and Policy Riders

The accompanying report isn’t just about dollar amounts; it includes specific directives to agencies and, importantly, policy riders. These riders attempt to influence how funds are spent and can substantially alter program implementation.

* Restrictions on Abortion Funding: the bill includes the Hyde Amendment, restricting the use of federal funds for abortion services.

* School Choice provisions: The report encourages states to explore school choice options, potentially impacting funding for public schools.

* Data Privacy Concerns: Directives related to student data privacy are included, aiming to protect sensitive information.

* Emphasis on STEM Education: The report stresses the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, encouraging increased investment in these fields.

Potential Challenges and Opposition

The bill is likely to face challenges as it moves through the legislative process.

* Democratic Opposition: Democrats are expected to oppose certain provisions, particularly those related to abortion restrictions and school choice.They may advocate for increased funding for social safety net programs.

* Conservative Concerns: Some conservative lawmakers may argue that the bill doesn’t go far enough in cutting spending.

* Budgetary Constraints: Overall budgetary constraints and competing priorities could lead to further negotiations and potential amendments.

* Government Funding Deadlines: The looming government funding deadline adds pressure to reach a consensus.

Real-World Implications & case Studies

The impact of this funding bill will be felt across the country. Such as:

* Rural Healthcare Access: Increased funding for the National Health service Corps could help address healthcare shortages in rural areas.

* Job Training Programs: Enhanced