Congress Extends Funding for OME Priorities
Published December 18, 2023
By AACOM Government Relations
Advocacy Appropriations Federal Policy Financial Aid GME Healthcare Workforce OME Advocate Osteopathic Recognition Osteopathic Representation Osteopathic Research
On November 16, 2023, President Biden signed the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363), before fiscal year 2024 (FY24) funding ran out on November 17. For the first time, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) used a bifurcated continuing resolution (CR) structure, with approximately 20 percent of the federal government funded at current levels through January 19, 2024, and the remaining 80 percent, including Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHSE) programs, funded at current levels through February 2, 2024. The CR extended funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC).
The explanatory materials (page 102) to accompany the LHHSE spending bill (H.R.5894) included AACOM-requested language attesting to the importance and need for osteopathic research and representation within the National Institutes of Health. While the House of Representatives brought H.R. 5894 to the floor for debate and passed several amendments, it was pulled before consideration of other amendments or a final vote and it is unclear what the next steps will be. Speaker Johnson sent an offer to the Senate on top line numbers for FY24, but those discussions remain ongoing. If any CRs are in effect on April 30, 2024, deep cuts to defense and non-defense funding levels will be mandated as a result of language in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (P.L. 118-5).
AACOM will continue to advocate for education and health provisions important to our community and we will update you as the funding process continues.