There was robust debate in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee markup of its FY 2016 appropriations bill on June 17.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), chair of the subcommittee, drew protests from Democrats who submitted amendments that would not fit into spending caps, and had no offsets.
The draft FY 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill would provide a total of $153 billion in new discretionary funding, $3.7 billion less than the current level and $14.6 billion less than President Obama requested.
Administration for Community Living Funding
The bill funds the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at $1.9 billion, which is $261 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $161 million below the president’s budget request.
The bulk of the increase supports the transition programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act from the U.S. Department of Education to ACL, and the transfer of the Traumatic Brain Injury program from HRSA to ACL.
LeadingAge is pleased that the bill provides $441 million for Congregate Meals, a $2.5 million increase, and $220 million for the Meals on Wheels program, a $3.5 million increase.
CMS Funding
The total operating budget of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be $3.3 billion, $344 million less than the current level and $919 million less than the president requested.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is level-funded. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is cut by $25 million. The Corporation for National and Community Service received less funding, but Senior Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA are level-funded.
Affordable Care Act
The legislation contains several provisions to stop the implementation of sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), including rescinding prior-year mandatory funds and prohibiting the use of any new discretionary funding to implement affordable health care.