Senate, House Approve Spending Measure That Would Cut Health Funds

Note: This story was updated at 9:25 am PT

On Wednesday, the Senate approved a two-week stopgap continuing resolution measure (H J Res 44) that would cut $4 billion from federal spending, including millions from health care programs, the Washington Post's "2chambers" reports.

The House passed the measure on Tuesday. The resolution now heads to President Obama, who is expected to sign it (Sonmez, "2chambers," Washington Post, 3/2).

Resolution Details

The resolution -- which would allow the government to remain operating until March 18 -- cleared the House by a vote of 335-91 (Taylor, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 3/2).

The measure includes $466 million in cuts to HHS but would not block funds for the implementation of the federal health reform law or eliminate Title X family planning funding.

The proposal includes the following cuts:

• $397 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration;
• $21 million from both CDC and the Children and Families Services program;
• $15 million from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
• $6 million from Administration on Aging;
• $3 million from CMS' program management; and
• $1 million from Child Care Development Block Grant.

Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to work toward a longer-term spending bill (Millman, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 2/25).