Secretary presents HHS budget cuts to Congress sparking health care funding concerns

The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations held a budget hearing on May 14, 2025, focusing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding proposed funding cuts and the implications for public health programs.

During the hearing, a key point of contention was the proposed $33 billion reduction in health program funding, which represents a cut of over 25%. This includes nearly $4 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and $18 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Critics, including committee members, expressed alarm over these cuts, arguing that they would undermine critical health initiatives, including cancer research and infectious disease tracking. They emphasized the need for public hearings and congressional oversight regarding any reorganization of NIH, asserting that such changes should not be made unilaterally by the administration.

The Secretary of HHS defended the budget, stating that the department aims to address chronic diseases and improve healthcare efficiency while cutting costs. He emphasized the need for a more effective allocation of resources, arguing that the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other developed nations without achieving better health outcomes. The Secretary outlined plans to consolidate programs addressing mental health and addiction, combat the opioid crisis, and enhance food safety efforts.

Additionally, the Secretary addressed concerns about rural healthcare, acknowledging the challenges faced by rural hospitals due to the area wage index used by Medicare and Medicaid. He committed to working with Congress to find solutions to support these critical healthcare providers.

The hearing underscored the ongoing debate over healthcare funding and priorities, with committee members urging a more thoughtful approach to budget cuts that could impact the health and safety of millions of Americans. The discussions set the stage for further negotiations and potential adjustments to the proposed budget as lawmakers consider the implications for public health services.