Senate continuing resolution protects critical infectious diseases programs and temporarily blocks harmful OMB grant rule

IDSA and HIVMA are pleased that the Senate passed the bipartisan continuing resolution to keep federal government programs, including vital infectious diseases programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, running through Dec. 11. We applaud Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member Patty Murray for including an important provision that temporarily blocks implementation of the White House Office of Management and Budget’s proposed rule on federal grants for the duration of the continuing resolution. This is an important step toward ensuring that objective merit, not political alignment, remains the primary criterion for grant awards. The OMB rule would undermine Congress’ authority by allowing the termination of federal grants by the political party in charge without cause and without any recourse for grantees.  

IDSA and HIVMA call on the House of Representatives to pass the Senate continuing resolution as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted support for research, public health programs and access to health care, especially in rural communities and among populations vulnerable to communicable diseases. 

-- Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA – President, Infectious Diseases Society of America

-- Anna K. Person, MD, FIDSA, Chair, HIV Medicine Association

About IDSA and HIVMA 
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Within IDSA, the HIV Medicine Association is a community of health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. Visit idsociety.org and hivma.org to learn more.