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US Global Health Spending in Dispute, & More from CRS

10.11.17 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

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

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