Today, President Trump today released a proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget to Congress. Overall the request includes a cut to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of $12 billion and includes an increase of $291 million for an end HIV initiative. The Partnership to End HIV, STDs & Hepatitis issued this statement this afternoon in relation to the proposed budget.

Specifically related to STD funding, the HHS Budget in Brief highlights the increased rates of STDs and requests $157 million, or level funding compared to current levels, for CDC STD programs at the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP). The supplemental language also mentions formulating a federal STD action plan in 2019. Furthermore, an additional $58 million is allocated to CDC to address the infectious disease consequences of the opioid epidemic.

The President’s budget proposal is the first step in the congressional appropriations cycle for FY 2020. Many congressional leaders have declared the budget proposal dead on arrival. NCSD will be closely monitoring developments as they occur in Congress and will keep you updated.