US Global Health Spending in Dispute, & More from CRS
The Trump Administration budget request proposes a substantial cut to US spending on global health programs, as described in a new report from the Congressional Research Service. But Congress appears poised to provide at least some of the funds that the executive branch had sought to eliminate.
“The FY2018 budget request includes almost $7 billion for global health assistance, roughly 30% less than the FY2017-enacted level,” CRS noted.
“The budget request proposes halving the USAID global health budget through the elimination of funding for global health security, vulnerable children, and family planning and reproductive health. Budget reductions are also recommended for all other health programs,” including various programs to combat infectious diseases around the world.
The US is the largest contributor to international health programs. But according to the Trump budget request, “other stakeholders must do more to contribute their fair share to global health initiatives.” See U.S. Global Health Assistance: FY2001-FY2018 Request, updated October 6, 2017.
Other noteworthy new products from the Congressional Research Service include the following.
U.S. Response to Injuries of U.S. Embassy Personnel in Havana, Cuba, CRS Insight, October 6, 2017
Attack on U.S. Soldiers in Niger: Context and Issues for Congress, CRS Insight, October 5, 2017
Wildfire Suppression Spending: Background, Issues, and Legislation in the 115th Congress, October 5, 2017
Electoral College Reform: Contemporary Issues for Congress, updated October 6, 2017
Overview of Continuing Appropriations for FY2018 (P.L. 115-56), October 6, 2017
Kosovo: Background and U.S. Relations, October 6, 2017
Options to Cease Implementing the Iran Nuclear Agreement, updated October 5, 2017
FAS commends the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for clearing a historic 75 pieces of legislation, including multiple crucial bills to confront the wildfire crisis.
The United States needs a strategic investment fund (SIF) to shepherd promising technologies in nationally vital sectors through the valley of death.
Standardizing support for Accessibility & Accommodations in federally funded research efforts would open opportunities for disabled scientists and their research programs.
The incoming administration must act to address bias in medical technology at the development, testing and regulation, and market-deployment and evaluation phases.