3 things you missed in government this week

Community water fluoridation, Health and Human Services cuts, Indian Health Service funding

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy. 

1.    The ADA is opposing comments made by the Louisiana surgeon general about community water fluoridation, calling them “dangerously irresponsible.” Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, M.D., voiced support for a bill to ban the fluoridation of public water in the state, which currently requires the health department to set fluoridation levels.

2.    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%. The coalition emphasized this would negatively impact the nation’s research, scientific and public health infrastructure.

3.    A coalition of health organizations dedicated to improving health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives is urging Congress to support funding for the Indian Health Service in fiscal year 2026. The AI/AN Health Partners Coalition, which includes the ADA, sent letters to U.S. Senate and House of Representatives appropriators emphasizing that American Indians and Alaska Natives face substantially poorer health outcomes and higher mortality and morbidity rates than the general population.