FY19

This week the Senate has been considering funding for Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) and Defense in a combined package, called a minibus. The LHHS bill included $5 million for the CDC to prevent infectious diseases related to the opioid epidemic, like hepatitis and HIV, in high risk areas. On Thursday, August 23^rd, the bill passed 85 to 7.

The next step will be for the House and Senate to combine the separate funding bills into an agreed upon single bill. As you will remember, the Senate approved a higher cap for LHHS of $2.2 billion, making it necessary for the two chambers to conference and come to an agreed final number. The House has passed their Defense funding bill but has not yet passed the LHHS funding bill. However, because they have passed their Defense bill the House can now conference with the Senate. We will keep you apprised of next steps!