Act Now: Budget Conflicts and Advocacy Day Reminder

The House GOP narrowly passed their budget reconciliation framework for President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda. Both chambers must still reconcile their budget proposal differences, which differ significantly in their approach to the national deficit.

These negotiations have taken time away from finalizing an appropriation deal, as the March 14th deadline steadily approaches. However, top appropriators continue to negotiate topline numbers for appropriations measures. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) signaled that progress is being made on negotiations, but cited concerns on whether the current administration will spend the appropriated funds. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) stated that the majority is “not moving” on stipulations that would impose “restrictions…on what we consider legitimate presidential authority.”

Finally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it would cap the indirect cost rate on federal grants for universities at 15%. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a temporary restraining order against the funding limit, effectively putting a pause on the cuts from being enacted for now. With this new ruling, the outcome remains in the hands of the Judiciary Branch.

Now more than ever, it is important to educate policymakers on the value of funding injury and violence prevention programs. Registration for the Safe States and Injury and Violence Prevention Network Advocacy Day closes March 7th. If you haven’t already, please register here for the opportunity to engage with and educate your policymakers about the value of injury and violence prevention programs on March 20th.