The Senate marked up the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations Bill in subcommittee and full committee this week.

Unfortunately, this bill currently includes a $5 million funding cut to the Division of STD Prevention.   As noted in last week’s write up, this bill had a number of fiscal pressures on it (lower top line funding level, a desire to give certain programs large increases) but we are, of course, still quite disappointed that this bill contains a proposed funding cut to STD prevention and control.  The Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, the Division of Viral Hepatitis, and the Division of Adolescent and School Health all maintained flat funded compared to FY16 in the Senate bill.

NCSD will now be focusing on educating members of the House of Representatives on the importance of this funding, particularly in a time of increasing STD rates.  The House has just announced that it will release its FY17 LHHS funding bill later this month, and we will be advocating for a higher number than the Senate bill.

While legislative action may be taken in Committee, it is unlikely that floor action will occur on these bills before September, and likely until after the election.  NCSD will, as always, keep you updated on future action.  If you have questions or concerns in the meantime, please contact NCSD’s Director of Policy and Communications, Stephanie Arnold Pang.