Global Health Funding Was Revoked. Now What

Congress started this summer in the hot seat, under pressure from the Trump administration to pass both the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and a $9 billion rescissions package, which sought to claw back funding previously allocated by Congress. Many of you joined our efforts asking Congress to vote no on this legislation-trying to save Medicaid, foreign aid, and uphold Congress's power of the purse.

Over the past several months, there were tens of thousands of calls and emails conducted through Partners In Health's (PIH's) tools. You all helped us remind Congress of what we stood to lose if the One Big Beautiful Bill slashed Medicaid and foreign aid was gutted through the rescissions package.

Unfortunately, within weeks of each other, both pieces were passed by a slim margin in Congress, causing tension on Capitol Hill and leaving many with unanswered questions.

Ransacking Foreign Aid

The rescissions package-part of spending cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)-will take away $9 billion in already approved federal funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting. The suspension of these programs is directly opposed to the interests of the United States. Treating infectious diseases, responding to emergencies, and supporting research helped position the U.S. as a leader in global health and development, while also creating jobs locally. Simultaneously, the gutting of public broadcasting could leave many people-particularly in rural communities-with less access to information about natural disasters, or other local health concerns and resources.

The news of rescissions' approval was devastating. Unfortunately, many partners of PIH in the fight for global justice were not spared: USAID, UNICEF, water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, and many other health programs will now lose critical, lifesaving funding.

After the package initially passed the House, several Senate Republicans pushed back on some of the reductions. Thanks to discontent among the party and ongoing constituent pressure, they demanded the removal of $400 million in proposed cuts to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-a bipartisan program that has provided lifesaving care for two decades.

While $400 million may not seem like much in the face of the $9 billion package, it's a lifeline for tens of millions of people who rely on PEPFAR's services. Last year alone, PEPFAR provided testing services for nearly 84 million and helped 20.6 million people access lifesaving antiretroviral treatment. Your calls, emails, and advocacy helped remind Congress of the massive impact of PEPFAR's programs.

What to Expect

Immediately, it's hard to say how devastating these funding suspensions will be. As clinics close, medicine becomes inaccessible, communities lose clean water, and food insecurity rises, people around the world will suffer at the hands of U.S. lawmakers. Among other health concerns, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and drug resistance will thrive in this new reality caused by abrupt program cancellations. PIH is already assessing how our global network can help fill these gaps in care caused by $8 billion in lost funding.

Unfortunately, the White House has said it is already planning to send more rescissions packages to Congress to continue to cut funding for programs they deem wasteful. While Congress isn't sure exactly what these cuts will look like, they have spoken up for their constituents and for more transparency in what will be revoked. By communicating with your members of Congress and holding them accountable, you've helped make meaningful change already.

While there is uncertainty in the future of foreign aid and overall government spending, PIH won't stop fighting injustice. We hope you'll continue to join us.

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