Federal Priorities for the 119th Congress: Lung Health

The NACP tracks asthma prevalence, promotes asthma control and prevention and builds capacity in state programs. While highly effective, only 29 states receive funding – leaving a nationwide public health void that can lead to unnecessary asthma-related attacks and healthcare costs. Congress must expand funding of the NACP to at least $40 million for FY26, ultimately increase funding for the program to $70 million to fund all 50 states plus territories and pass the Family Asthma Act.

Chronic disease impacts almost every family in the U.S. The CDEA program gives CDC the flexibility to invest in initiatives that increase public and professional awareness about chronic health conditions that do not have a designated funding line in the CDC budget. Given the strong demand for this emerging program and its ability to address multiple chronic health conditions, Congress must increase funding to $6 million for the CDEA in FY26.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disease. An estimated 11.7 million people – or 4.6% of adults – have COPD. White individuals have the greatest rates of COPD compared to other racial and ethnic groups. In 2021, almost 140,000 people died from COPD, making it the sixth overall leading cause of death. Despite this impact, CDC is under-resourced and can’t do all it should. CDC must have capacity to help individuals and their families face a COPD diagnosis, educate the public and physicians about the disease and also accurate understand the full prevalence of the disease.

Improving survival rates for lung cancer will require a comprehensive approach that includes risk reduction strategies, improving utilization of screening for those at high risk, eliminating disparities in lung cancer treatments, and many other strategies. Congress must increase funding for CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to develop and implement public health strategies to specifically address lung cancer.

NIH and DOD play a critical role in advancing research to better understand and treat lung cancer. NIH research on lung cancer and the peer-reviewed lung cancer research program at DOD facilitate both ongoing and emerging activities that advance scientific understanding of lung cancer. Congress must continue to invest in the vital research taking place at both NIH and DOD.

CDC has experienced chronic underfunding, severely limiting its ability to respond effectively to health threats and address the health challenges various parts of our country face. CDC’s public health and research programs help to prevent lung disease, improve health and, by extension, save the lives of millions of people in this country. Congress must prioritize additional investments in support of the health of our nation, support individual programs to ensure a coordinated response to health challenges and maintain the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

Numerous disease outbreaks and natural disasters underscore the urgent need to prepare for future public health emergencies. Congress must ensure that depleted stockpiles are replenished and plans are in place to prevent resource shortages in future public health emergencies. Adequate funding for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is essential to maintain a secure level of supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and treatments.

Additionally, state and local public health departments operate on outdated, siloed systems that do not effectively communicate with one another or with the healthcare delivery sector. While there has been strong bipartisan support for updating these fragmented systems in recent years, we cannot afford to cease investments. Faster, more complete data is crucial not only for preventing illness and saving lives but also for preventing chronic disease. Congress must provide the necessary funding to fully modernize our public health data infrastructure at state and local levels, a key step toward improving preparedness for future public health challenges.

Each institute within the NIH requires annual funding increases. With increased support, these agencies can continue advancing research to develop prevention, treatments and cures for lung disease. Congress must make sustained investments in each individual institute so that the promise of biomedical research can be achieved.

Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to pose serious health risks to individuals, families and communities across the United States. It is essential that families and healthcare providers have access to the tools, resources and accurate data they need to make informed medical decisions and stay protected from serious illnesses. Congress must appropriate $1.26 billion to NCIRD to strengthen vaccine delivery systems, improve disease tracking and ensure all communities can access vaccines.

Non-influenza respiratory viruses, like RSV and others, can cause serious illness and even death, especially in young children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions. These illnesses also place a heavy burden on hospitals and healthcare systems, making it harder for everyone to get the care they need. Congress must appropriate $70 million to CORVD to ensure that CDC can monitor these viruses, share critical information with healthcare providers and support efforts to prevent illnesses that impact millions of people in the U.S. every year. 

TB outbreaks continue to occur across the country in schools, workplaces and prisons, costing the U.S. over $460 million annually. In order to continue our progress towards the elimination of TB in this country, Congress must provide $225 million for CDC’s state and local TB programs.

While millions of people in the U.S. have recovered from COVID-19, many individuals are experiencing lingering, returning or new symptoms post-infection. Congress and the administration must fund research to find new treatments for these symptoms and increase support for those living with long COVID.