As the clock ticks down towards a looming government funding deadline, a six-bill, $459 billion funding package is on the table, and time is running out to secure federal cash for critical health sectors before the funding expires.
The bundle (called a mini-bus, as opposed to a larger omnibus package) includes key allocations for Agriculture-FDA, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, Transportation-HUD, Interior-Environment, and Commerce-Justice-Science. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) is emphasizing conservative victories in the fiscal 2024 proposal, but skepticism looms among conservatives about the significance of Republican victories in the package.
Noteworthy in the package are provisions addressing areas relevant to health care. Specifically, the proposed legislation extends and enhances federal funding for community health centers, National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education programs, aiming to fortify the primary care workforce in underserved communities. $9 million was allocated in continued funding to support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in collaborating with a contractor for quality measure endorsement, input, and selection in all of CMS’ quality reporting programs through December 31, 2024. As the House gears up for action mid-week, the urgency to pass this funding package intensifies to avert potential disruptions in critical sectors.
