In a major victory, Congress maintains federal funding for HIV programs

The final FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill passed by Congress preserves funding for HIV prevention, care and research, and rejects nearly $2 billion in proposed federal cuts to HIV care and workforce programs. The legislation provides level funding with FY 2025 and includes a $400 million increase for the National Institutes of Health, underscoring bipartisan support for federal HIV programs and biomedical research.  

The funding levels in the bill are a testament to the power of advocacy by HIVMA members, in collaboration with the broader HIV community, in overcoming cuts initially proposed by the House of Representatives and the Administration. The bill sustains current funding levels for federal HIV programs with the exception of the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund, which is cut by $4 million. Importantly, the bill rejected the House majority’s proposed elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV prevention program and defunding of Ryan White Program Parts C and D — grants that go directly to clinics to fund comprehensive care — and Part F, which supports the AIDS Education and Training Centers and dental care. All of these programs are critical to supporting local HIV responses. 

See IDSA’s release for more information on funding for ID programs.  

Funding levels for key HIV-related programs include the following: 

• Sustained funding for all parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program at the current level
• Maintained funding for CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, and increased funding for viral hepatitis by $3 million
• Increased funding for National Institutes of Health by $400 million, with level funding for National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• Continued funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative across the Department of Health and Human Services

The legislation, which is part of a package of bipartisan spending bills, awaits the president’s signature. Attention will now turn to the FY 2027 appropriation cycle, which traditionally begins with the release of the president’s budget proposal in February and with Congress agreeing to top-line budget numbers. HIVMA will be urging Congress to make deeper investments in public health and research programs in FY 2027, as many states brace for significant Medicaid funding cuts. 

About HIVMA
The HIV Medicine Association is a community of more than 6,000 health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. HIVMA works to increase access to health care services and coverage for people with HIV and populations heavily impacted by HIV and to foster a robust, diverse and culturally competent HIV workforce. HIVMA is part of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Visit hivma.org to learn more.