On September 9, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill provides a total of $108 billion in discretionary funding for HHS, approximately six percent below the FY 2025 enacted level, and proposes a $456 million reduction in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Approximately $1.3 billion would be allocated to workforce programs under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a decrease of $37 million from FY 2025 enacted levels. The bill also includes $525 million for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), which supports research to improve dental and oral health. The bill was approved by the full Committee by a vote of 35 to 28, following the adoption of eight amendments. Notably, an amendment modifying the Public Health Service Act to extend funding for medical education grant programs was adopted by voice vote.

Congress almost certainly will need to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund either some or all government agencies beyond the September 30th deadline. Otherwise, the government will shut down until an agreement is reached to re-open operations. 

The bill text can be found here and the bill report can be found here. 

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD continues to monitor the federal appropriations process and strongly supports continued funding for NIDCR and dental education grant programs. These investments are critical to advancing dental research, strengthening the oral health workforce, and expanding access to care.