The House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal 2025 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday, demonstrating a clear Republican initiative to cut federal spending and streamline agency functions.
The proposed budget, put forth by Republican leaders last month, outlines a $107 billion allocation for HHS, marking a 7% reduction from previous levels.
This reduction is part of a broader effort to reshape and refocus the agency, making sure it adheres to its core missions without overreaching into politically contentious areas.
Under the guidance of Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), chair of the health subcommittee, the proposal seeks to improve the efficiency of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and significantly cut back on Title X family planning grants.
In contrast, it proposes increased funding for block grants aimed at substance-use disorder prevention, showcasing a prioritization of critical health concerns over broader policy initiatives.
Rep. Aderholt explained that this budget would “reign in divisive mission-free public health agencies,” enabling them to rebuild public trust by focusing solely on preparedness and essential health services.
This approach reflects a broader Republican vision of government that minimizes expenditure while maximizing efficiency.
The bill also includes a noteworthy amendment by Aderholt, which was approved along party lines.
This amendment will allow individuals to seek monetary damages if they face discrimination by federal agencies against providers, hospitals, or health insurance plans that do not offer or refer abortion services.
This move is seen as an extension of the Weldon Amendment, reinforcing the rights of healthcare providers to adhere to their ethical or religious beliefs.
Democrats, led by ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), voiced strong opposition to the budget.
They criticized the reductions in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the elimination of initiatives focused on gun violence and climate change, and the persistent restrictions on abortion access, including the retention of the Hyde Amendment which prohibits federal funding for abortions.
Additional amendments that sparked debate included a proposal by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) to prevent CDC funding from being used for gun violence research, which was successfully adopted.
Conversely, efforts by Democrats like Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) to save the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to maintain the independence of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) were not successful.
As the budget progresses out of the committee stage, it faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, where strong opposition from Democrats is likely to challenge its passage in its current form.
This fiscal proposal underscores a financial tightening and an ideological redirection of HHS, aligning with the Republican vision of a more focused and less politically driven federal government.