PATH Statement on the US Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations Bill

Contact:
Kate Davidson | (206) 302-4637 | media@path.org

Today, PATH applauded Congress for protecting vital global health programs in the fiscal year 2017 (FY2017) appropriations bill. A statement from PATH's Vice President for Policy and Advocacy Carolyn Reynolds follows:

"Congress took an important step forward in reaffirming its bipartisan commitment to global health with the preservation of funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus for many critical international programs that promote the health and safety of Americans and some of the most vulnerable people around the world. PATH calls on the Congress and President to approve this bill without further delay.

PATH is pleased to see that funds have been maintained for programs administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department, such as those to address HIV, polio, and neglected tropical diseases. We also commend Congress for its leadership in increasing funding for programs for maternal and child health, malaria and nutrition that will help ensure continued global progress toward ending preventable child and maternal deaths.

Additionally, we applaud Congress's foresight in strengthening America's epidemic preparedness and security by creating an emergency reserve fund within USAID and through modest increases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's programs for Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response and Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. In addition to bolstering our ability to respond to disease threats within our borders, these investments play a critical role in strengthening the capacity of our partner nations to prepare for, prevent, and contain future outbreaks. In a world where deadly pathogens know no borders, Americans and populations around the globe will be safer as a result of these investments.

Lastly, PATH commends Congress for its continued commitment to science and innovation through modest increases to funding for the National Institutes of Health. This strong public investment in scientific research is vital to ensure that America continues to lead the world in innovation.

However, we remain concerned by recent proposals to slash support for some of these very same programs in fiscal year 2018. We urge the President and Congressional appropriators to continue America's global leadership and sustain these investments that save lives, lift communities out of poverty, and protect the health and security of Americans both at home and abroad."

Posted May 1, 2017.