MATSUI AND BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCE BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO RESTORE CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Public Health Funding Restoration Actwhich would restore funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF). PPHF provides dedicated funding for innovative public health projects, including vaccination programs, chronic disease prevention programs, and health education programs.

"From increases in chronic disease rates to infectious disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic, the modern public health ecosystem demands continual, robust investments," said Congresswoman Matsui. "Originally meant to reach $2 billion in 2015, the Prevention and Public Health Fund has been underfunded for years. In addition to supporting existing core public health activities like vaccinations, restoring the Fund to its full amount is critical for developing and expanding innovative programs to prepare for pandemics and other unique public health threats that arise. The Public Health Funding Restoration Actreaffirms the importance of prevention in the United States health care system. It fulfills our promise to support our federal, state and local partners' efforts to improve the health of all Americans."

"This legislation ensures that vital public health programs receive the funding needed to provide affordable and quality care," said Senator Blumenthal. "Without full funding, our public health system is limited in its ability to combat health threats and to develop innovative public health initiatives. With the Public Health Funding Restoration Act, we make a critical investment in lifesaving public health programs and the health of our nation."

The PPHF is currently funded at $1.3 billion. The Public Health Funding Restoration Actwould authorize and appropriate $2 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 and each subsequent fiscal year to fully restore the PPHF. In doing so, the Public Health Funding Restoration Actreaffirms the importance of prevention and public health programs to the Department of Health and Human Services' and local and state health departments' efforts and recognizes that cuts to the PPHF undermine both public health and efforts to establish an affordable and accessible health care system.

The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), and Ann Kuster (D-NH). It is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

The legislation is supported by over 90 organizations, including Trust for America's Health (TFAH), American Public Health Association, AIDS Institute, American Heart Association, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. The full list of endorsing organizations can be found HERE.

"The Prevention and Public Health Fund is a vital investment in our nation's health in every state and territory. Restoring the Prevention Fund will advance critical efforts to reduce the burden of chronic disease and help to reduce long-term health costs," said TFAH President and CEO Dr. J. Nadine Gracia.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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