ASPPH strongly opposes the proposed cuts and structural changes to public health agencies in the House FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS-ED) appropriations bill that were announced last week. The drastic reductions to key public health programs are unacceptable and threaten to weaken our nation’s health system amidst ongoing health crises.

ASPPH’s key points of concern include:

• The $1.7 billion cut to the CDC – This significant reduction undermines the CDC’s ability to protect public health, safety, and security.
• Elimination of funding for the Center for Forecasting and Analytics (CFA) – This hampers the government’s ability to predict and respond to emerging health threats.
• Cuts to CDC programs on firearm injury prevention and climate and health research – These are critical areas that require more, not less, funding.
• Structural changes at the NIH – Consolidating 27 institutes into 15 new centers could dilute focus and impede progress in critical health research.
• Impeding DEIJ initiatives – Blocking policies that promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice undermines efforts to create an equitable public health workforce.

ASPPH calls on Congress to restore funding and support a stronger public health infrastructure. We remain committed to advocating for a robust and equitable health system that can effectively respond to future challenges.