Last week, the ATS joined over 200 public health and patient organizations in a letter to Congress supporting increased funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The letter, sent to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations subcommittees, urges Congress to provide at least $7.8 billion for the agency in fiscal year (FY) 2020, a $500 million increase over the FY2019 funding level of $7.3 billion.

The letter states, “In addition to ensuring a strong public health infrastructure and protecting Americans from public health threats and emergencies, CDC programs are crucial to reducing health care costs and improving health. ” It continues, “Despite the progress CDC has made to meet these needs, the agency’s programs have been woefully underfunded.” The President’s preliminary budget for fiscal year 2020 is expected to be released the week of March 11. The proposed budget will recommend specific funding levels for NIH, CDC and other health programs, however it is important to note that Congress provides annual federal program funding.