Save Lung Health Programs

The proposed cuts in the House bills are sweeping—roughly 40% reductions at both CDC and NIH and over half of EPA’s budget. If enacted, this would result in:

• Shutting down youth tobacco prevention programs;
• Eliminating surveillance systems that track asthma rates;
• Canceling hundreds of research grants on lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses; and
• Leaving communities in the dark about their air quality.

These cuts would worsen health disparities, particularly in communities that already face higher rates of lung disease. For patients and families, it could mean fewer treatments, stalled research on cures, and the loss of vital community programs that save lives. This is why the Senate bills should be the standard that determines the final bills.

Congress will soon decide whether to double down on these proposed cuts or choose a different path. Advocates have a critical window right now to urge lawmakers to reject cuts and instead invest in public health and research. Securing full funding for CDC, NIH, and EPA in FY26 will be essential to rebuilding public health capacity, advancing lifesaving research, and ensuring every community has the resources needed to breathe easier.

The American Lung Association is committed to fighting for public health and research funding and ensuring every community has the resources to breathe easier. These cuts are not just budget decisions; they are life-and-death consequences for people with lung disease. We call on Congress to fully fund lung health programs at CDC, NIH and EPA.