US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1961

Introduced
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization and Respiratory Diseases for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

If enacted, HB1961 could have significant implications for public health funding, notably affecting the CDC's ability to carry out its immunization and disease prevention initiatives. This funding cap could restrict the agency's capacity to respond to upcoming health crises, implement vaccination campaigns, or manage ongoing respiratory disease control programs. Advocates of strict budgetary constraints may view this bill as a necessary oversight to control federal spending, while opponents could argue it undermines public health objectives and diminishes the CDC's preparedness for potential outbreaks.

Summary

House Bill 1961 is aimed at imposing a limitation on the funding available for the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Immunization and Respiratory Diseases budget for the fiscal year 2024. The bill seeks to cap the financial appropriations to this federal agency at $448,805,000. This legislative move reflects ongoing debates regarding federal health spending priorities and the budgetary allocations to public health initiatives, particularly in light of past pandemic responses.

Contention

The bill has sparked contention among lawmakers and public health advocates. Supporters assert that limiting funds could ensure more responsible spending and prevent potential waste in federal budgeting. However, critics contend that such restrictions could jeopardize essential health services and impede efforts to combat infectious diseases, particularly as the country continues to navigate the long-term effects of recent health emergencies. The debate around HB1961 highlights a broader discussion about the balance between fiscal responsibility and public health imperatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB235

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill requires research and education activities related to triple-negative breast cancer. The cells of these breast cancers are negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein, so they do not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target the HER2 protein receptors. Specifically, the National Institutes of Health must conduct and support research into the disease. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration must develop information about triple-negative breast cancer, including information regarding the elevated risk for minority women, for the public and for health care providers.

US HB373

Health - Abortion Data - Submission to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

US HB170

Domestic Security Using Production Partnerships and Lessons from Yesterday Act of 2023 or the Domestic SUPPLY Act of 2023 This bill establishes a program and sets out other requirements to promote domestic manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a program to enter into purchasing agreements for PPE produced domestically by manufacturers that are majority-owned and -operated by U.S. citizens. HHS must coordinate with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security on this program. In addition, the federal government must only procure, subject to limited exceptions, PPE that is produced domestically to prevent the transmission of an infectious disease. If using federal funds, states or localities must also procure PPE domestically. Further, the bill requires HHS to consult with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on a report about changes to federal requirements for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of those changes on health care workers who cared for patients in 2020 and 2021.

US HB714

Health - Abortion Data - Submission to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

US HB0714

Health - Abortion Data - Submission to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

US HB3915

Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2025

US HB70

Freedom for Farmers Act of 2023 This bill abolishes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This agency, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), investigates and responds to environmental exposures to hazardous substances in communities. HHS must transfer authority regarding certain national disease and toxic exposure registries to another appropriate HHS entity.

US S09849

Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer any recommendations made by the commissioner of health pertaining to a vaccine that has been authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration; relates to insurance coverage for immunizations; removes the requirement to follow the advisory committee on immunization practices of the centers for disease control and prevention recommendation for immunization against meningococcal disease.

US HB73

No Pro-Abortion Task Force Act This bill prohibits federal funding of the Reproductive Healthcare Access Task Force. The Department of Health and Human Services launched the task force on January 21, 2022, to identify and coordinate departmental activities related to accessing sexual and reproductive health care.

US S03964

Relates to including rescue inhaler prescriptions for asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases for individuals under age nineteen in the statewide immunization information system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.