As the year comes to an end, let’s look at where the appropriations process stands and what we can expect when Congress returns to Washington, DC in January.

Last month, just before the November 17 deadline, the House and Senate passed a “laddered” continuing resolution (CR), successfully averting a government shutdown. The CR (H.R. 6363) extends government funding to January 19, 2024 for four of twelve appropriations bills. The remaining 8 bills, including the Labor HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill last until February 2, 2024. Congress will have its work cut out for it next month with two deadlines that could spell a partial or full government shutdown if bipartisan negotiations break down.

Below you’ll find topline agency numbers from the CR as they compare to current funding levels for FY 2023:

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Final FY23: $9,217,590,000
• Senate FY24: $9,197,590,000
• House FY24: $7,591,566,000

 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC)

• Final FY23: $40,000,000
• Senate FY24: $40,000,000
• House FY24: $40,000,000

 DMI/Public Health Data Modernization

• Final FY23: $175,000,000 
• Senate FY24: $160,000,000
• House FY24: $75,000,000

 Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics

• Final FY23: $50,000,000
• Senate FY24: $45,000,000
• House FY24: $0

Major cuts have been proposed by the House, as you can see above. However, the federal budget for the full fiscal year is still undecided, as different parties in Congress have different views on how to allocate the funds. Cuts to federal programs are on the table, alongside the possibility of a long-term CR, which will decimate public health funding. Make no mistake, these cuts will impact STLT epidemiologists who rely on sustained federal investments.

February will be here before we know it. CSTE reminds you that you can take action and urge your representatives and senators to fund vital public health programs at the highest levels possible. Anybody can advocate to their legislators.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Advocate for public health in your jurisdiction. You can write an email in your personal capacity or share your stories on social media. Your voice matters! Find your representative here and reach out through their website or by phone.

    

2. Educate and share materials on DMI with your colleagues. You can send them CSTE’s DMI report, which provides a snapshot of the state of the public health data infrastructure. Or share this infographic for a short update. And, remember to review this one-pager reflecting CSTE’s estimates on the actual cost of DMI at the STLT level.

    

3. Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to act today. Ask them to contact their legislators and tell them that public health is at risk without adequate and sustained funding. The current FY24 funding deadline is February 2, 2024. Don’t wait, act now!

Anyone can get involved. The clock is ticking for lawmakers to reach a lasting budget deal or approve another short-term funding extension by February 2. CSTE will keep pushing for adequate funding and will keep you informed as the appropriations process unfolds in the new year.

Victoria Barahona is policy associate at CRD Associates, LLC, which represents CSTE’s interests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.