Appropriations Process to Advance Following End to Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown is soon expected to eclipse the current record of 35 days marking the longest shutdown in history. However, as more Americans begin to experience the negative impacts of a shuttered federal government, lawmakers will move to negotiate an end to the government shutdown most likely in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Once the government opens, lawmakers have signaled their interest in completing the FY 2026 appropriations process by passing the various measures needed to fund government agencies. This effort will include reconciling the differences in the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bills as passed by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill is critical as it includes funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Injury Center).

While the bill adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee maintains full funding for all Injury Center-funded programs at $761 million, the House Appropriations Committee approved their version of the bill that proposes a more limited funding level of $665 million. With roughly $550 million allocated to support efforts aimed at the prevention of overdose deaths, precious few dollars are left to support the myriad of other Injury Center programs including, the Injury Control Research Centers (ICRCs) and the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Notably, funding for NVDRS was included in the president’s budget request to Congress which could pave the way increase the $665 million in the House bill should it advance to the floor allowing  members to amend the bill.

SAVIR, in collaboration with Safe States, is closely monitoring the continued shutdown negotiations. Once the government reopens, SAVIR will call on its members to engage in the policymaking process by contacting their Representative to urge that they support the Injury Center funding level in the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

Paul Menta, Director Government Relations

Safe States