Lawmakers confronted with calls for increased spending on cancer research and prevention, as Congressional budget discussions ensue
In a significant development, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations has unveiled its version of the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill. The bill, which funds agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has received a favorable review from the Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
Notably, the House committee's proposal would grant NIH's National Cancer Institute $7.3 billion for FY26, an increase of $48 million from its 2025 funding levels. This move has garnered support from Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., who has shown her backing for NIH funding.
However, the bill also includes cuts to CDC cancer prevention programs. The House version of the bill would grant the CDC $7.4 billion for FY26, marking a $1.7 billion cut to its 2025 funding. These cuts would eliminate funding for tobacco prevention and control, as well as the agency's Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has been at the forefront of advocating for cancer research and prevention funding. The organization recently launched an advertising campaign with billboards off Interstate 65 in the Montgomery and Birmingham areas, calling on Congress to protect federal cancer research funding. ACS CAN also held a tailgate event at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's first football game of the season to raise awareness for threats to cancer research and prevention funding.
Invitations to the event were sent to each member of Alabama's congressional delegation, and staff members from the offices of U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Ala., and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin attended. The tailgate event attracted young people and raised awareness about cancer research and prevention among UAB students.
In a bid to further rally support, ACS CAN is planning a trip to Washington to meet with Alabama's state and federal politicians, as well as planning a potential tailgate at the University of Alabama aimed at attracting further attention to the issue from Alabama politicians. The organization is also planning to have people who benefited from NIH clinical trials fly to D.C. to meet with members of Congress.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations requested $48.7 billion for NIH in late July, a $400 million boost to the agency's overall 2025 budget, which would include a $150 million increase in cancer research funding. This proposal marked a break from recommendations made by the White House Office of Management and Budget, which proposed a $27.9 billion annual budget for NIH in May.
Several organizations, including scientific and cancer research advocacy groups, publicly opposed the Trump administration's proposed cuts to cancer research and prevention budgets announced in May. These groups warned such reductions would hinder progress in cancer treatment and prevention.
As the FY26 bill moves forward, ACS CAN continues its efforts to ensure that cancer research and prevention funding remains a priority. The organization's optimism is reflected in the conversations with Aderholt's office and Representative Dale Strong regarding NIH and NCI research funding, as expressed by ACS CAN's Executive Director, Dr. Gary L. Axelbaum. Saxena, the CEO of ACS CAN, urged legislators to not let progress made through investments in cancer research and prevention appropriations get knocked down further.
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