Coalition urges Congress to reject proposed HHS budget cuts
Says Trump administration’s plan would undermine country’s research system
The ADA signed on to a coalition letter expressing concern for the Trump administration’s draft fiscal year 2026 budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The letter follows a draft budget proposal outlined by the Office of Management and Budget that recommends cutting the agency's overall discretionary funding by approximately 30%. This would negatively impact the nation’s research, scientific and public health infrastructure, according to the coalition.
“The draft proposal is dangerous and devastating. It would put our nation’s health and security at risk by defunding, and in some cases eliminating, vital programs that monitor and defend against infectious and chronic disease, battle opioid and mental health epidemics, protect the public against environmental and occupational health threats, reduce preventable injuries, address public health emergencies and deliver high-quality care to veterans, seniors and other Americans,” said the coalition, which includes 534 organizations, including the ADA and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research.
The letter goes on to highlight the important roles Health and Human Services agencies play in addressing the nation’s health demands. Some agencies mentioned include the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Indian Health Service.
It acknowledged the importance of creating an efficient and effective health care and public health system, while also emphasizing that cutting Health and Human Services funding will not achieve this goal.
“We call on you to reject the proposed budget cuts across HHS agencies and centers and instead work together to invest in our nation’s health by ensuring that the essential programs that protect and further America’s health remain adequately funded,” the coalition concluded.
