New Trump budget proposal includes HHS cuts but increased NIH funding

Planning ahead to a potential second term, President Trump yesterday released his budget for the 2021 fiscal year. Within the $4.8 trillion proposal is an overall cut to HHS funds, but a boost for NIH funding. Here’s more: 

• HHS cuts: Overall, the proposed budget represents a 10% decrease in HHS funding compared to 2020 levels. 
• NIH boost: The new proposal includes $38 billion in funding for the NIH, an additional $4 billion more than what was requested in the current budget. The agency’s priorities would continue to be addressing the opioid epidemic and working toward a universal flu vaccine.  
• Child care: The new HHS budget also includes a $1 billion one-time investment for states to work with employers to set up child care programs and increase the supply of providers.  

And in a striking move, the budget also calls for the creation of a new agency dedicated to regulating tobacco, including e-cigarettes, stripping the FDA of all authority. Read more about that here.