Rep. Cleaver Joins Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Release $300 Million in CDC Grant Funding
(Kansas City, MO) - U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) has joined a number of House Democrats in demanding the Trump administration release nearly $300 million in congressionally obligated funds for core public health programs. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, Rep. Cleaver, Congressman Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), and other House Democrats underline the impact this action has on state and local health departments and public health organizations in communities across the country.
“As you know, the CDC is responsible for executing the federal government’s response for disease prevention and improved public health outcomes through scientific research,” the lawmakers wrote. “Through annual discretionary and mandatory appropriations, CDC funding critical research and development initiatives for disease surveillance, cancer prevention, health education, and public emergency readiness, among others. Many of these funding streams go directly to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments as well as external stakeholders with CDC’s shared goals.”
“These federal funds have been congressionally obligated and are depended upon by the local health departments that execute lifesaving initiatives,” the lawmakers continued. “Funding delays directly harm our constituents who depend on these services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”
“As Members of Congress, we have constituents and local organizations impacted by these irresponsible funding freezes and have received urgent outreach expressing deep concern about the impact of this administration’s actions. Without reliable, regular, and renewed public health investments from the federal government, this administration risks undoing decades of advancements in disease prevention. We demand that OMB immediately release obligated CDC funds and continue much-needed investments in our communities,” the lawmakers concluded.
The official letter from lawmakers is available here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.