FY24 Labor Health and Human Services Education and Related Agencies (Released on July 13, 2023)

On July 13th, 2023, the House Appropriations Committee unveiled the Fiscal Year 2024 bill pertaining to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Deliberations on the bill took place on July 14th. This legislation allocates $147 billion for programs falling under the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, marking a 29% decrease ($60.3 billion) from the FY23 enacted level and a $73 billion reduction compared to the President's Budget Request. The measure upholds a commitment to safeguarding life, advancing American values, prioritizing medical research, and addressing the opioid epidemic. Concurrently, it takes steps to curtail inefficient bureaucracy and bolster oversight and accountability. By reinstating fiscal responsibility, reducing social spending, eliminating 61 programs, and rejecting controversial proposals from the President's Budget Request, the bill aims to strengthen congressional oversight and limit the Administration's discretion in deviating from congressional directives. Additionally, it maintains pro-life provisions, ensuring federal funds are not used for abortion with limited exceptions, and safeguards individuals' rights to abstain from participating in abortions. The legislation supports biomedical research for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, allocates funds to combat opioid abuse, and directs resources, including telehealth and opioid response initiatives, to rural communities. It prioritizes funding for special needs education, supports Pell Grants for an educated workforce, and provides financial backing for charter school programs.