Us Congress House Bill HB1963

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Refer: 4/7/23

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB1963 on state laws and public health funding could be significant. By capping the funds allocated to the CDC for emerging diseases, the bill could affect the agency's ability to adequately prepare and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Critics may argue that such a limitation could hinder public health initiatives would likely exacerbate vulnerabilities in disease management and response strategies at both state and local levels.

Summary

House Bill 1963 aims to impose a limitation on the funds available to the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the fiscal year 2024. The bill stipulates that the appropriated funds for emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases cannot exceed $568,372,000. This measure reflects a growing trend among certain legislators to scrutinize and potentially reduce funding for public health initiatives, especially in the area of disease prevention and response.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1963 include concerns from public health advocates and some legislators who argue that restricting funding could lead to severe consequences during health crises. They express that the CDC plays a critical role in managing threats posed by emerging zoonotic diseases, which require ample resources for research, prevention, and containment. Supporters of the bill, however, tend to emphasize the need for fiscal restraint and reallocating funds to other priorities, arguing that current spending levels may be excessive given the legislative context.