CHIP Reauthorization, PPHF Cuts Proposed in Latest House Government Funding Bill

This week, House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-New Jersey) introduced a continuing resolution to extend government funding through January 19, 2018. Recall, last week Congress passed a two-week government funding measure that expires next Friday, December 22.

In addition to extending overall government funding, H.J. Res. 124, which is currently in the House Appropriations Committee, would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for five years, as well as provide two years of funding for community health centers. However, the legislation includes a $6.35 billion cut to the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) over the next 10 years as an offset for community health center funding.

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and CHEAC submitted a letter to California’s House delegation, as well as leadership of the House Committee on Appropriations, expressing our opposition to the use of PPHF as a funding offset. The offsets proposed in H.J. Res. 124 continue to also be opposed by House Democrats. At this time, it is not clear when the measure will be considered or held for a vote. CHEAC will continue to monitor the proposal and provide updates as necessary.