American Lung Association: Congress Fails to Pass Funding Bill that Adequately Invests in Critical Health Programs

Today, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution that continues government funding until September 30, 2025, but also includes deep funding cuts. In response, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, released the following statement:

“The American Lung Association is deeply concerned about the FY25 appropriations bill passed by the Congress this week, disguised as a continuing resolution. This is a spending bill that cuts $13 billion from domestic discretionary funding. While this bill will keep the government from shutting down, it does so at significant cost to our nation: ceding authority to restructure the federal government and dramatically cut key health programs that is constitutionally within Congress’s purview. 

“The choice between a government shutdown and this inadequate FY25 funding bill is a great disservice to people’s health nationwide. Neither outcome is good for lung health or the air we breathe. Both put people’s health on the line.

“Congress holds the power of the purse, yet this resolution shifts significant discretion over funding decisions to the Executive Branch. Without the direction provided in a full funding bill – we will continue to create uncertainty and see delays in lifesaving research and public health programs as well as harmful reallocation of resources. Congress must exercise strong oversight to ensure that public health agencies carry out their work as intended, rather than leaving critical decisions to shifting political priorities.

“Looking ahead, Congress must pass regular government appropriations bills for FY26 that keeps people healthy, advances research, strengthens the public health infrastructure and ensures the long-term success of life-saving lung health and clean air programs.”