Congress Approves $116.8 Billion Funding for HHS, Rejects Trump Administration's NIH Restructuring Proposals
Congress has passed a comprehensive appropriations package that funds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through fiscal year 2026, ending a partial government shutdown. The package allocates $116.8 billion to HHS, marking an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) compared to the previous fiscal year. Notably, the package dismisses the Trump administration's proposals to restructure NIH institutes and centers, as well as the creation of a new Administration for a Healthy America. The appropriations report also prohibits the NIH from implementing indirect cost caps and directs the agency to limit the use of multi-year funding. Additionally, the package extends several healthcare programs, including Medicare telehealth flexibilities and Medicaid payment protections, and introduces reforms in pharmacy benefit management and mental health support for healthcare workers. 
